Common Questions

Partial Meniscectomy

 

What is a partial meniscectomy?

 

The partial meniscectomy is a procedure that repairs cartilage tears of the knee. The cartilage of the knee or meniscus is an important cushion and shock absorber of the knee. There is cartilage on each side of the knee. The “meniscus” distributes the forces of gravity from the leg, through the knee to the thigh bone. They commonly are injured from a variety of mechanisms that usually in involve loading the knee and twisting or rotating. A torn meniscus can cause mechanical problems in the knee, such as swelling, locking and giving way. There are times when there is no memorable event. This generally occurs with age. The tear pattern of the meniscus determines whether they can be repaired by suturing or will require removing that portion of the meniscus that is torn. The later is known as a partial meniscectomy.

 

partial meniscectomy -- click here to view an animated videopartial meniscectomy