A Clinical Study of Arthroscopic Management of Meniscal Injuries of Knee Joint

Background: This prospective clinical study attempts to evaluate the role of arthroscopic surgery in meniscal injury of knee joint. Low morbidity and early rehabilitation associated with arthroscopic surgery of meniscal injuries makes it a highly acceptable procedure.

Materials and Methods: This study includes 30 cases of meniscal injuries of knee treated by arthroscopic techniques at Silchar Medical College and Hospital, Silchar between January 2011 to December 2012. Minimum follow up has been done upto 6 months.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 26.36 years. Twenty eight (93%) patients were male and 2 (7%) patients were female. Most sustained meniscal injury following sports related injuries (60%). Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy was done in 28 patients and arthroscopic meniscal repairs done in 2 patients. Mean operative time for meniscectomy was 75 minutes. Functional outcome was assessed based on Lysholm Knee Score and Tapper and Hoover Grading System in follow up period. Excellent to good results were found in 80% cases.

Conclusion: Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy and repair are minimal invasive technique, advantage of which includes early return to work, minimal complications, early post operative rehabilitation, short duration of hospital stay. Hence these are the preferred technique for treatment of meniscal injuries. Though arthroscopic partial meniscectomy is a preferred method of treatment but in repairable meniscal injuries meniscus preserving surgery should be tried.