[Partial meniscus arthroscopic resection]

Abstract

Arthroscopic meniscectomy was performed in 393 patients in the "three portal technique" in the years 1981 through 1983. The medial meniscus showed a bucket handle tear in 40.3% and a flap tear in 37.3% whereas the lateral meniscus showed a bucket handle tear in 12.2% and a flap tear in 46.1%. More than one third of the meniscus lesions were associated by chondromalacia of patella or femoral condyle. Arthroscopic meniscectomy was combined with shaving of the cartilage or shaving and arthroscopic subchondral drilling in 71 cases. Second-look arthroscopy was performed in 10 patients because of rupture of the remnant rim after the first partial meniscectomy.