Evidence brief
Long-Term Outcomes of Meniscal Repair vs Meniscectomy
Meniscal repair superior to meniscectomy at long-term follow-up
Lower rates of osteoarthritis with repair
Red-red zone tears have best healing rates (90%+)
Combined with ACL reconstruction improves healing
Meniscectomy leads to joint degeneration over time
Meniscal preservation through repair is superior to meniscectomy for long-term joint health. Save the meniscus when possible, particularly in young, active patients.
Know the zones (red-red, red-white, white-white) and healing potential. Repair indications: traumatic, peripheral, stable knee or concurrent ACL reconstruction. Discuss repair techniques (inside-out, outside-in, all-inside). Reference joint preservation philosophy.
Level III
Retrospective comparative study or case-control study