What is the difference between partial meniscectomy and meniscal repair?
Depending on the type of tear, the piece of meniscus that is torn may be removed from the knee (partial meniscectomy) or repaired (meniscus repair). Whether or not a tear is repaired depends on the likelihood of the tear healing. If a tear occurs in the outer one-third of the meniscus (peripheral tear), there is usually adequate blood supply for the tear to heal if fixed. However, tears in the inner two-thirds (where most tears occur) have no blood supply, and will not heal with repair. Therefore, the torn piece needs to be removed. Every effort is made to try and repair a tear that may heal. If the tear is repaired the overall recovery time is increased because I have to protect that repair. Don’t I need my meniscus? It is always best to have your own normal meniscus. For this reason, every attempt is made to repair a meniscus tear that may heal. However, for tears that are torn beyond repair, it is best to remove the torn piece. The piece that is torn does not function like a normal
