Meniscal injuries.

If at all possible, a normal meniscus should not be removed to avoid long-term articular cartilage caused by the meniscectomy. However, leaving a damaged meniscus in situ, can cause decreased function and increased discomfort in the clinical patient. By evaluating the history, examining the joint by palpation and again thoroughly after arthrotomy, the proper treatment of whether or not to take out the meniscus can be performed accurately most of the time. Meniscectomy may be practiced on cadavers very easily so that practitioners who perform cruciate ligament surgery become adept quickly at meniscectomy with little practice.