Year: 2013  Study type: RTC  

Yim J, Seon J, Song E, Choi J, Kim M, Lee K et al. A Comparative Study of Meniscectomy and Nonoperative Treatment for Degenerative Horizontal Tears of the Medial Meniscus. The American Journal of Sports Medicine 2013;41(7):1565-1570.

Objective

To compare the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic meniscectomy and nonoperative treatment for degenerative horizontal tears of the medial meniscus. 

Methods

Meniscectomy group (surgery + 8 weeks home exercise program as in non-operative group) (n=54)

Nonoperative group (3 weeks supervised exercise program and 8 weeks home exercise program) (n=54)

Outcome measures: pain (VAS), Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity scale, subjective satisfaction score at 2-year follow-up.

Outcome

Both treatments provided satisfactory clinical results in horizontal tears of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus in two-year follow-up. Arthroscopic meniscectomy did not provide any significant advantage compared to exercise therapy program in terms of the relief of pain, improved knee function, or patient satisfaction.