Who should consider arthroscopic meniscus repair?
Even though the recovery is longer for a meniscus repair than for a meniscectomy, any repairable meniscus should generally be repaired. Meniscus repair is considered when: • the patient is healthy and wishes to remain active, • the patient understands the rehabilitation, and accepts the risks of surgery, • the meniscus tear is located in the periphery of the meniscus, • the meniscus tissue is of good quality, and • the surgeon is experienced in meniscus repair What happens without surgery? In the best case scenario, the tear would heal back in the appropriate place, achieving the same result as a meniscus repair. This is very unlikely. In the worst case scenario, a repairable meniscus would tear further and become unrepairable, and fragments of torn meniscus would injure the articular (gliding) cartilage leading to accelerated arthritis. Surgical options Meniscus tears can be treated by meniscus removal (meniscectomy), meniscus repair, or in unusual circumstances, meniscus replacement.
