Functional Outcomes of Arthroscopic Meniscal Repair versus Partial Meniscectomy in Traumatic Meniscal Tears

Abstract

Background: Traumatic meniscal tears commonly cause knee pain and functional impairment. Arthroscopic meniscal repair and partial meniscectomy are widely performed surgical procedures.

Objective: To compare functional outcomes following arthroscopic meniscal repair and partial meniscectomy in patients with traumatic meniscal tears.

Materials and Methods: This prospective comparative study included 140 patients, divided equally into meniscal repair (n = 70) and partial meniscectomy (n = 70) groups. Functional outcomes were assessed using IKDC and Lysholm knee scores preoperatively and during 12 months of follow-up.

Results: Both groups demonstrated functional improvement. Mean IKDC scores increased from 42.6 ± 9.4 to 90.6 ± 7.2 following repair and from 43.1 ± 9.1 to 85.2 ± 8.1 following meniscectomy. Lysholm scores improved from 48.5 ± 10.6 to 93.2 ± 6.4 and from 49.2 ± 10.2 to 88.1 ± 7.5, respectively. Partial meniscectomy showed faster early recovery, whereas meniscal repair demonstrated higher scores at 12 months. Return to pre-injury activity was achieved in 85.7% and 72.9% of patients, respectively.

Conclusion: Both procedures improved knee function, while meniscal repair showed more favourable functional outcomes at 12 months.