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Arthroscopic meniscectomy in patients over the age of 40

New York University Medical Center, New York, New York

Kevin J. Kessler, MD

New York University Medical Center, New York, New York

Joseph Noah, MD

New York University Medical Center, New York, New York

One hundred eighteen patients, aged 40 or older, underwent partial meniscectomy and limited debride ment of coexisting grade III or grade IV degenerative articular cartilage lesions. No curettage, abrasion ar throplasty, or subchondral drilling was performed. The average age of the patients was 57 years (range, 40 to 78). The mean followup was 3.3 years (range, 1 to 7). Sixty-three similar patients who also underwent partial meniscectomy but did not have the finding of significant coexisting articular surface erosion were studied for comparison.

Of the 118 patients in the group with articular lesions (78 men and 40 women), 71 (60%) rated their improve ment as significant, 22 (19%) as moderate, and 15 (13%) as mild; 10 (8%) noted no improvement. Although 98 (83%) were generally satisfied with their result, only 57 (48%) reported satisfaction for sports. However, 89 (75%) had resumed and continued recreational athletic activities. Results tended to be worse in women, in patients older than 60, in those with moderate or severe tibiofemoral radiographic changes, those who had a grade IV articular lesion, and those with longer follow up time.

Although results were poorer in patients with coex isting grade III or grade IV degenerative arthritis, ar throscopic partial meniscectomy and limited debride ment was an acceptably effective procedure in patients over the age of 40.

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