Meniscus Anatomy

The menisci are two pieces of cartilage in the knee that act as shock absorbers, helping to cushion the joint and prevent damage. They are made of a strong tissue called fibrocartilage.

The menisci have a blood supply only in the outer part (the outer third), while the inner part doesn’t have any blood flow. This is important because the inner part of the meniscus is thinner than the outer part, which is thicker and attaches to the joint lining. Since the inner portion has no blood supply, it doesn’t heal well if it gets torn. For this reason, tears in the inner part of the meniscus usually have to be removed. This is done through a procedure called a partial meniscectomy, where the damaged part of the meniscus is taken out to relieve pain.

What is a Partial Meniscectomy?

A partial meniscectomy is a surgery that removes the torn part of the meniscus to help relieve pain and prevent further damage. The surgery is done using a special technique called arthroscopy, which is less invasive than traditional surgery. This means the surgeon makes small cuts around the knee and uses a camera and small tools to do the surgery.

During the surgery:

• The surgeon makes two small incisions near the knee. One is for the camera (to see inside the joint), and the other is for the instruments that trim the torn meniscus.
• The torn part of the meniscus is carefully trimmed and saucerized (shaped like a saucer) to remove rough edges that could cause pain or damage the joint. The goal is to take out as little of the meniscus as possible while keeping the knee strong and able to absorb shock.

Post-Operative Care (After Surgery)

After a partial meniscectomy, patients are usually allowed to put weight on the knee as they feel comfortable. For the first week, crutches are used for support, but after that, most people can walk normally again. Over the next few weeks, they can gradually return to normal activities.

Patients should avoid activities that cause pain or swelling. This is important because pain or swelling after surgery is usually not due to another meniscus tear but can be caused by arthritis. Without the meniscus, the knee joint can wear down over time.

It’s recommended that people who have had a partial meniscectomy start with low-impact activities like:

• Walking
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Using an elliptical machine

However, high-impact activities like running, basketball, or racquetball should be done with caution and continued only if the knee is not painful during the activity. It’s important to watch for any pain or swelling when doing any of these activities.

Why is This Surgery So Common?

Each year, hundreds of thousands of partial meniscectomies are performed in the United States, making it one of the most common orthopedic surgeries. The procedure is often done as day surgery, which means the patient can go home the same day. Even though it’s a small surgery with just a couple incisions, it’s important to monitor the knee over time and be careful not to damage it further.

Even professional athletes who have a partial meniscectomy can face challenges later in their careers. Studies show that athletes who have this surgery often have a shorter career compared to those who have an ACL reconstruction. This is because the removal of the meniscus can lead to more wear and tear on the knee joint over time. This is also why we attempt to repair the meniscus rather than remove it any chance we get.