Who should consider arthroscopic meniscectomy-minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery?
Occasionally the symptoms from a degenerative tear will quiet down without surgery. Surgery for a torn meniscus should be considered when the knee is “locked”, the knee is persistently swollen, the patient can not participate in normal activities, the patient understands and accepts the risks, and the surgeon is fellowship trained and experienced in arthroscopic meniscectomy. What happens without surgery? In the best case scenario, the symptoms of swelling and pain will resolve and the patient will be able to resume activities. In the worst case scenario, the torn fragment of meniscus will “lock” the knee, preventing all but a small amount of motion. This makes activities of daily living difficult. Effectiveness In the hands of an experienced fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon, removal of the torn part of a meniscus is very effective in restoring comfort and function to the knee. The knee will usually function normally for decades. If an entire meniscus needs to be removed, that sec
