Prospective RCT of 200 patients randomised intraoperatively to partial or total open meniscectomy, comparing functional and radiological outcomes at 1 year and at a median of 7.8 years (range 6.3–9.8) to determine whether extent of resection affects long-term knee function and stability.
When counselling patients before meniscal surgery, recognise that partial meniscectomy provides better long-term functional scores and less instability than total meniscectomy, but neither procedure prevents progressive functional decline — young patients, women, and those with lateral tears are at greatest risk of deterioration regardless of how much meniscus is removed.
Prospective RCT of 200 patients randomised intraoperatively to partial or total open meniscectomy, comparing functional and radiological outcomes at 1 year and at a median of 7.8 years (range 6.3–9.8) to determine whether extent of resection affects long-term knee function and stability.
When counselling patients before meniscal surgery, recognise that partial meniscectomy provides better long-term functional scores and less instability than total meniscectomy, but neither procedure prevents progressive functional decline — young patients, women, and those with lateral tears are at greatest risk of deterioration regardless of how much meniscus is removed.