Knee function after meniscus repair and total meniscectomy--a 7-year follow-up study.

Meniscus repair has been performed with a high success rate where the rupture occurs within the vascular zone. However, no study has compared the functional result of meniscus repair and total meniscectomy in similar patients with similar kinds of meniscus tear, with or without intact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). We studied 48 knees, 44 men and 4 women divided into matched pairs, some with, and some without torn anterior-cruciate ligaments. Follow-up was done 6-8 years after surgery. We concluded that meniscal repair has a high success rate in stable and unstable knees. At 7-year follow-up, meniscal repair showed no better functional result than meniscectomy. A meniscus repair technique which allows early range of motion training and muscle rehabilitation is, therefore, needed to improve functional end results.