The Prognosis of Meniscectomy in Athletes

Abstract

This study analyzes patient participation in athletic activities after meniscectomy. Seventy simple menis cus lesions in 68 patients without ligamentous insuf ficiency were studied by means of a detailed question naire and clinical and radiological examinations. Fol low-up ranged from 1 to 18.4 years, averaging 4.5 years. These cases are classified into two groups, depending on the intensity of athletic activities.

Group 1 consisted of international class athletes and Group 2 consisted of both competitive and rec reational athletes. None of those studied have given up sports following meniscectomy. Results were worse in Group 1 than in Group 2 in both clinical and subjective evaluation. In Group 1 volleyball players presented results worse than those of football (Amer ican style) players and wrestlers. In Group 2 there was no significant difference in results among athletes of various sports. We conclude that the results after meniscectomy are influenced by the quality and fre quency of postoperative athletic activities.

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