Arthroscopic Repair versus Partial Meniscectomy for Isolated Medial Meniscus Tears: A Prospective Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: The management of isolated Medial Meniscus tears remains controversial. Arthroscopic repair preserves meniscal tissue and joint biomechanics, while partial meniscectomy provides rapid symptom relief but may predispose to osteoarthritis.

Objective: To compare functional and radiological outcomes of arthroscopic meniscal repair versus partial meniscectomy in a prospective Study of 44 patients.

Methods: Forty four patients (21 repair, 23 meniscectomy) treated at Al-Hikma Hospital, Misrata between May 2020 and January 2023 were followed for 12 months. Functional outcomes were assessed using Lysholm and IKDC scores. Complications and need for reoperation were recorded.

Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvement postoperatively. At 12 months, mean Lysholm scores were higher in the repair group (88.4 ± 5.2) compared to meniscectomy (81.9±6.1, p=0.01). IKDC scores showed similar trends. Reoperation was slightly higher in repair (2 cases) versus meniscectomy (1 case), but radiographic joint preservation favored the repair group.

 Conclusion: Arthroscopic meniscal repair offers superior long-term functional outcomes and better preservation of knee biomechanics compared to partial meniscectomy, despite a slightly higher early reoperation rate.