What Results Can You Expect From Meniscectomy?
Following this procedure, most people experience a relief from their pain, locking or popping. In most cases, this relief is apparent in the first week or so. In some cases physical therapy can improve these symptoms over 6-8 weeks, after the meniscus is removed.
One year after this procedure, 95 out of 100 patients experience good to excellent results with this procedure. This means a return to increased levels of function and activity and often to full activity with minimal or no pain.
Factors that will affect your overall results are what caused the original damage to the meniscus and if the damage was related to age.
Removing a part of the meniscus does increase the stress on the joint. So, arthritis may develop earlier in patients who have had their meniscus removed. However, this is a longer-term result, and if it occurs, it is often 20-30 years after surgery.
Therefore, because individual situations can vary, you and your doctor should discuss any questions you have regarding your particular situation. It is important that your expectations match your doctor's expectations.
