Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy Versus Exercise Therapy for Meniscal Injuries in Older Patients, a 5 Year Follow up.

In the surgery group, the orthopaedic surgeon performed an arthroscopic partial meniscectomy within 4 weeks after allocation. The surgeon removed the damaged part of the meniscus, until a stable and solid meniscus remained. All patients received written post-operative instructions. Eight weeks after surgery, patients received a consult in the outpatient orthopaedic clinic. In agreement with the Dutch Orthopaedic Association Guidelines, patients were referred to physical therapy when signs of abnormal recovery were present.

The treatment protocol consisted of a physical therapist-led incremental exercise program over a period of eight weeks, containing 16 sessions of 30 minutes each.