Evaluation of the Early Functional Outcome Following Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy for Meniscal Tears

Meniscal tears are among the common knee pathologies which affect activities of daily living if not managed properly. Arthroscopic knee surgery is an evolving procedure in our environment and patient satisfaction with this procedure needs to be evaluated. This was a prospective study carried out between June 2017 and May 2018 with the aim to determine the effectiveness of Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy in the management of meniscal tears in our environment. The Western Ontario Meniscal Evaluation Tool (WOMET) Knee Score was used to assess patient satisfaction with this procedure. A total of thirty-one patients were recruited into the study consisting of eighteen males and thirteen females with an average age of thirteen years (17 - 48 years) who underwent arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. Preoperative and postoperative knee scores at 6 weeks and 12 weeks were compared using the Western Ontario Meniscal Evaluation Tool. At the end of the study period, data collated were analyzed using the specified tools. In terms of clinical outcomes, arthroscopic partial meniscectomy showed statistically significant improvement of symptoms as evidenced by a mean knee score of 75.6 (SD 9.3) at 6 weeks, 87.7 (SD 4.7) at 12 weeks compared with a preoperative knee score of 46.7. Medial meniscal tears were more common than lateral meniscal tears in all age groups and both sexes recruited into the study. The most common type of meniscal tear seen was the longitudinal type of tear while complex tear is the least type of tear seen. The surgery (arthroscopic partial meniscectomy) is an evolving area of sports medicine that requires sub-specialization, however solves the problem of increased mobility following open surgery. This study will tend to add to existing knowledge as patients who are mostly sports inclined can return to play very early with better outcome scores as regards pain and function.