Is Meniscal Volume Critical to Post-meniscectomy Symptoms?

1. Background and rationale It is known that a partial meniscectomy of the knee is a risk factor to the development of early osteoarthritis with complaints of pain. 2. Trial objectives and Design 2.1 Trial objectives With this study we would like to investigate whether a certain, critical loss of meniscal volume, is critical to the development of pain. 2.2 Primary endpoints How much volume can be resected peroperatively without developing postoperative pain. 2.3 Secondary endpoints A possible correlation between the resected volume and the severity of the pain. 3. Selection and withdrawal of subjects 3.1 Inclusion criteria * All patients who were treated with a partial meniscectomy for a meniscal tear and have postoperative MRI's. * Age between 14 and 50 years old * Women of child bearing age can be included: the study has no effect on their methods of contraception. 3.2 Exclusion criteria * A history of a tibia plateau fracture or severe deformity of the knee * Rupture of the ACL/PCL/collateral ligaments of the knee * Focal cartilage defects of the knee