Substantial disability 3 months after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy: A prospective study of patient-relevant outcomes

To our knowledge, this is the first prospective study using validated questionnaires to assess patient-relevant outcomes after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. Data from the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), the SF-36 Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form Health Survey, and the Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale were available for 74 consecutive patients (50 males, 24 females; mean age, 45 years) with isolated meniscus tear (n = 47) or meniscus tear combined with cartilage damage (n = 27). At postoperative follow-up (mean, 14.4 weeks) significant improvement was seen, but despite only minor pain and other symptoms postoperatively, significant physical disability and handicap were reported. Postoperatively, 30% of patients were active in sports compared with 63% before injury. A sedentary lifestyle was reported by 38% compared with 9% before injury. We conclude that patient-relevant outcomes provide additional information and should be assessed after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. We further suggest that preoperative information for the meniscectomy patient should include a realistic expected functional outcome.