Arthroscopic lateral meniscectomy in adults with stable knees. A medium term evaluation of the results and a comparison with similar lesions of the medial meniscus.

The results obtained in 37 cases of arthroscopic meniscectomy in isolated lesions of the lateral meniscus in adult patients are analysed. Isolated lesions were chosen as it is our belief that the results may be considerably influenced by the presence of ligamentous lesions. After an average follow-up of 33 months the results were: excellent, 32; good, 2; fair, 2; poor, 1. The lowest percentage of improvement was observed in subtotal meniscectomies. The presence of changes in the joint cartilage is not always responsible for mediocre results.