Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy for Degenerative Tear - 10-Year Outcomes.
OrthoEvidence Journal (OE Journal) - ACE Report
Epub Ahead of Print
N Engl J Med. 2026 Apr 30;394(17):1757-1759.What this means for my practice?
Analysis of 10-year data from the FIDELITY trial found no evidence of benefit with the arthroscopic partial meniscectomy procedure, and possibly worse outcomes in certain aspects, particularly with respect to meniscal symptoms.
Study Summary
146 patients with degenerative meniscal tears were randomized to receive either arthroscopic partial meniscectomy or sham surgery in the FIDELITY Trial -- 133 of whom completed 10 year follow-up. The primary outcomes of interest included the Western Ontario Meniscal Evaluation Tool (WOMET) for symptoms and disability, the Lysholm Knee score for knee function, knee pain on a 10-point rating scale, osteoarthritis progression, and structural radiographic changes. Results revealed no evidence of a benefit of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy across all outcomes, and even a suggestion that it may lead to worse disability and symptoms compared to sham surgery.
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