Results of meniscal repair and partial meniscectomy in stable knees.

In a study using matched pairs of 50 patients, meniscal repair was compared with partial meniscectomy in knees without major ligament injuries. There was a failure rate of 24% after meniscal repair in a follow up from 6 to 9 years after operation. A further meniscectomy was needed in 16% of those who had had a partial meniscectomy. Function was better after meniscal repair, but the compliance rate was lower because of the prolonged rehabilitation. Repair led to less osteoarthritis than menisectomy.