Abstract

The first known operations on the meniscus were done in the late 1800s. Since that time, as the architectural and biomechanical aspects of the knee became known, the tide swung from advocacy of total meniscectomy regardless of the damage involved, to a procedure that removed only the damaged portion of the meniscus. In the 1950s, the advent of arthroscopy provided the orthopedic surgeon with a sophisticated tool both for closed diagnosis of meniscal disorders and for their treatment. This article reviews our experience with 100 arthroscopic meniscectomies, comparing them, where possible, with a series of 94 open meniscectomies. Increasing experience with the arthroscopic procedure progressively decreased the duration of operation, complications, and the need for repeat operation. We found that closed meniscectomy can result in relief of symptoms and good to excellent results in a high percentage of patients.