Observational data contradicts the current tenet of using patients' self-report of mechanical symptoms as a justification for performing arthroscopic surgery on patients with degenerative meniscus tear. This according to a study of 900 consecutive patients with symptomatic degenerative knee disease and meniscus tear undergoing arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. Researchers found:

• The proportion of patients satisfied with their knee 12 months after arthroscopy was significantly lower among those with preoperative mechanical symptoms (61%) vs those without (75%).

• The proportion reporting improvement was lower (RR=0.91).

• No statistically significant difference was seen in change in WOMET or NRS between the 2 groups.

• Among those with preoperative mechanical symptoms, 47% reported persistent symptoms at 12 months postoperatively.

Citation: Sihvonen R, Englund M, Turkiewicz A, Järvinen TL. Mechanical symptoms as an indication for knee arthroscopy in patients with degenerative meniscus tear: A prospective cohort study. [Published online ahead of print March 30, 2016]. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2016.03.013.