Treatment of meniscus defects with reference to our operative method. Subtotal meniscectomy, resection of Hoffa's corpus adiposum, inner drainage.

Inspite of the advanced diagnostic possibilities in cases of meniscus injuries the time until the surgical treatment is still too long. In our patients the average period between the first discomfort until the operation came to 2 years. Satisfactory results in treating degenerating or traumatic meniscus injuries can only be achieved by early surgery. The various problems of diagnostic methods are discussed. Arthrography with double contrast is an excellent method to achieve 95% correct results. The reactive hypertrophy and inflammation of the Hoffa's fat pad in the course of the so called Hoffa's disease are explained. With 214 cases of subtotal meniscectomy we can demonstrate satisfactory functional results. They are attributed to the additional resection of the Hoffa's fat pad or likewise the partial synovectomy-combined with internal drainage. This operative method has been proven over the last 6 years in routine operation.