Complications in arthroscopic meniscal surgery.

Arthroscopic meniscal procedures as a whole have an acceptably low complication rate. The rate is no higher than the average for all arthroscopic procedures. In the hands of experienced arthroscopic surgeons the complication rate for meniscal repair is slightly lower than that for arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. Attention to anatomic detail, knee positioning, and proper surgical technique has resulted in a significant decrease in the incidence of major neurovascular injuries. The complication rate for outside-in meniscal repair is no lower than that for inside-out meniscal repair. Further refinements in surgical technique, suture materials, and instrumentation should result in an even lower complication rate. Ongoing studies to determine when the repaired meniscus has achieved clinical stability may allow earlier range of motion and further lessen postoperative stiffness.