Development of Knee Osteoarthritis After Arthroscopic Partial Resection of Degenerative Meniscus Tear

Overview

It has been previously demonstrated that the risk for the development of knee osteoarthritis is increased after both meniscus tear and meniscectomy. However, it is still unclear whether this is due to the meniscus tear per se, the surgery, or whether the development of knee osteoarthritis is completely independent of the two. Accordingly, the aim of the study is to investigate the effect of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy on the development of knee osteoarthritis 2 to 10 years after the procedure.

It has been previously demonstrated that the risk for the development/progression of knee osteoarthritis is increased after both meniscus tear and meniscectomy. However, it is still unclear whether this is due to the meniscus tear per se (i.e., adverse mechanical effect on knee cartilage), the surgery (resection of the meniscus, and subsequent loss of cushion within the knee), or whether the development of knee osteoarthritis is completely independent of the two. Accordingly, the aim of the study is to investigate the effect of Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy on the development of knee osteoarthritis 2 to 10 years after the procedure. Patients included in the study will be randomized into one of two groups: arthroscopic partial meniscectomy and diagnostic arthroscopy (sham-surgery). The presence of knee osteoarthritis will be assessed preoperatively and 2, 5, and 10 years after the operation.

Conditions