Endoscopic meniscectomy.

A series of 264 endoscopic meniscectomies has been analysed. In 8% the endoscopic operation failed, and arthrotomy was performed at the same session. During the latter part of the study, this figure decreased to 4% owing to improved skill and instrument design. 92% of the patients were followed up by scoring-scale evaluation 13.8 +/- 7.7 (2-51) months after treatment. Treatment of bucket handle tears gave better results than treatment of degenerative tears. The results were less successful after lateral than after medial meniscectomy. Other pathological findings in the joint including cartilage degeneration or an anterior cruciate tear with anterolateral instability unfavourably affected the result of meniscectomy. The post operative rehabilitation period was short and most patients returned to work within two weeks and to athletic activities within four weeks. The operation can be performed as an out-patient procedure.