Partial meniscectomy is an arthroscopic operation to trim and remove the damaged, unstable portion of a torn meniscus in the knee, while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
The operation is performed arthroscopically through two or three small incisions. The torn, unstable portion of the meniscus is identified, trimmed back to a stable rim using motorised shavers and small instruments, and removed. As much healthy meniscus as possible is preserved. The operation takes 20–40 minutes.
Partial meniscectomy is recommended for symptomatic meniscal tears causing locking, catching, or persistent swelling that have not responded to physiotherapy, particularly tears in the inner (avascular) zone where repair is unlikely to heal.
Physiotherapy, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication, and time. Many degenerative meniscal tears improve with non-operative treatment, particularly in patients over 40 without mechanical symptoms.
MRI to assess the tear. Day-case procedure.
Relief of mechanical symptoms (locking, catching) in approximately 85–90% of patients. Quick recovery.
Some patients continue to have discomfort, particularly with degenerative tears and underlying arthritis.
Knee swelling for one to two weeks.
Removing meniscal tissue reduces shock absorption and may accelerate cartilage wear.
Another area of the meniscus may tear in the future.
Joint infection. Risk approximately 0.3%.
DVT. Very rare after knee arthroscopy.
General, spinal, or local anaesthesia.
Weight-bearing immediately. Crutches for comfort for a few days. Return to desk work within days. Driving at one to two weeks. Running at four to six weeks. Return to sport at six to eight weeks. Full recovery six to twelve weeks.
Review at two weeks. Further follow-up only if needed.
Removing meniscal tissue does increase the long-term risk of arthritis in the affected compartment. This is why surgeons preserve as much tissue as possible and attempt repair when feasible.
Most patients return to sport at six to eight weeks, though this varies with the extent of the tear and the sport.