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J Knee Surg 2016; 29(05): 387-390
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1559580
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy for Meniscal Tears: A Review and Commentary on a Study by NEJM

Anthony J. Scillia
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Seton Hall University School of Health and Medical Sciences, South Orange, New Jersey
,
James D. McDermott
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Seton Hall University School of Health and Medical Sciences, South Orange, New Jersey
,
Kimona Issa
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Seton Hall University School of Health and Medical Sciences, South Orange, New Jersey
,
Peter Goljan
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Seton Hall University School of Health and Medical Sciences, South Orange, New Jersey
,
Steven F. Harwin
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Seton Hall University School of Health and Medical Sciences, South Orange, New Jersey
,
Anthony Festa
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Seton Hall University School of Health and Medical Sciences, South Orange, New Jersey
,
Vincent K. McInerney
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Seton Hall University School of Health and Medical Sciences, South Orange, New Jersey
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

27 April 2015

14 June 2015

Publication Date:
17 September 2015 (online)

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Abstract

Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) has been demonstrated to be effective when performed in the appropriately indicated patient. However, a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) questioned whether or not the procedure actually had any clinical benefit whatsoever. Despite being a prospective, Level 1, randomized study, there are several aspects of the study that must be taken into consideration when interpreting the findings, including but not limited to the patient selection criteria, limited sample size, and lack of information regarding meniscal tear patterns. This study will critically review the recently published NEJM article, as well as analyze and assess the current body of APM literature.

Keywords

partial meniscectomy - knee arthroscopy - knee surgery
 

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