Influence of medial meniscectomy on tibiofemoral joint space width

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of partial medial meniscectomy on tibiofemoral joint space width (JSW) Design: Thirty-seven patients (mean age: 51 years), suffering from medial meniscal lesions, (post-traumatic (n=22) or degenerative (n=15)), and requiring arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, were enrolled in a prospective, controlled study. Bilateral weight-bearing radiographs in extended and flexed position were performed in the same Radiology Unit just before and 2 days after meniscectomy. During arthroscopy, the extent of meniscectomy was evaluated in percentage and medial chondropathy was quantified using the Societe Frangaise d'Arthroscopie (SFA) scoring system (SFA score: 0-100). Medial chondropathy was absent or mild (mean SFA score: 8 13). Meniscectomy removed an average of 61% of the posterior third of the medial meniscus, 51% of the middle third and 22% of the anterior third. Radiographs, before and after meniscectomy, were read singly and were analyzed by a single reader unaware of patient identity and date of radiographs. Medial JSW was measured at the narrowest point of the medial compartment using a 0.1 mm graduated magnifying glass. Results: Comparison of JSW before and after meniscectomy did not show any statistically significant difference (mm): 0.01+/-0.43 (p=0.83) and -0.05+/-0.56 (p=0.66) in the extended and flexed views, respectively. Conclusion: This preliminary study suggests that partial medial meniscectomy does not influence tibiofemoral JSW on weight-bearing X-rays. Consequently, joint space narrowing appearing after partial meniscectomy should lead to seeking postmeniscectomy cartilage degradation rather than being attributed to removal of the meniscus. (C) 2003 OsteoArthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.