Summary

A comparison of long-term outcomes between arthroscopic meniscectomy for traumatic tears and degenerative lesions reveals better clinical results and lower rates of osteoarthritis for traumatic tears, with an average 85% arthroplasty-free survival at 10 years.

Abstract

Purpose

Arthroscopic meniscectomy for degenerative meniscus tears and traumatic meniscus lesions are two distinct entities and their long-term outcomes are rarely reported. The aim of this review was to compare the long-term (clinical and radiological) results of arthroscopic meniscectomies performed on stable knees for traumatic tears or degenerative meniscal lesions.

Methods

This systematic review adhered to the 2020 PRISMA statement. All studies investigating the longterm results of arthroscopic partial meniscectomies were assessed. Studies including discoid meniscus, open meniscectomy, unstable knee (ACL tear reconstructed or not), other ligaments insufficiency, meniscectomies performed in combination with other procedures were excluded. To rate the quality of evidence of collected outcomes, the Methodological Index for NonRandomized Studies (MINORS) was used.

Results

Thirty-two studies were included in this review. 11 of these dealt with traumatic tears, 21 with degenerative lesions. The mean age of the patients was 49,9!"!12,2 years, the mean BMI 25,3[[EQUATION]]10,5kg/m2 and the follow up extended from 6 to 22 years (mean 14,8[[EQUATION]]6,4 years). After meniscectomy for traumatic injury, the rate of osteoarthritis ranged from 36% to 76%, with an average rate of 48[[EQUATION]]19%. Associated functional scores ranged from 71 to 97, with a mean of 90[[EQUATION]]4 for the Lysholm score, 86[[EQUATION]]10 for the IKDC, and 94[[EQUATION]]16 for the KOOS. After meniscectomy for degenerative lesions, the rate of osteoarthritis ranged from 23% to 97%, with a mean of 77[[EQUATION]]28%. Functional scores ranged from 40 to 87, with a mean of 79[[EQUATION]]10 for the Lysholm score and 71[[EQUATION]]16 for the IKDC. Survival studies showed an average of 85[[EQUATION]]23% arthroplasty-free survival at 10 years.

Conclusion

Long-term clinical outcomes of arthroscopic meniscectomies are better for traumatic tears when compared to degenerative lesions. Rates of osteoarthritis are difficult to compare but lower for traumatic tears.