Is the meniscus worth saving?

The purpose of this article is to look critically at the surgical management of torn, or in other ways, damaged knee menisci, and to assess the indications for this mode of treatment in its various forms; that is, total or partial meniscectomy by arthrotomy or arthroscopy, or peripheral repairs. The authors present the results in 139 cases and they have found from their own experience that a patient with a torn meniscus who undergoes partial, as opposed to total, meniscectomy or one who is allowed the time and is successful at healing on their own, has a greater chance of returning to their prior level of physical activity and is less likely to complain of persistent symptoms related to the involved knee. As well, it appears that if there are unresolved complaints, they are less likely to be rated as severe or even moderate. They believe that there is consistently strong evidence to support the practice of saving the meniscus, or as much of it as possible.