Prospective Trial of Arthroscopic Meniscectomy for Degenerative Meniscus Tears (NCT01931735) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Prospective Trial of Arthroscopic Meniscectomy for Degenerative Meniscus Tears
United States27 participantsStarted 2013-10-01
Plain-language summary
Arthroscopic meniscectomy is among the most commonly performed orthopedic surgical procedures in the VA system. There remains substantial uncertainty, however, regarding the short term benefits and the long term consequences of arthroscopic meniscectomy in patients with degenerative meniscus tears. Of major concern is the fact that degenerative meniscus tears are associated with osteoarthritis, and it is known that within two years of surgery, arthroscopic debridement for osteoarthritis is no better than placebo in relieving pain and restoring function. Longer term, meniscectomy has been shown to be associated with elevated risk of osteoarthritis development, raising the concern that meniscectomy can actually be harmful. The purpose of this study is to determine whether meniscectomy in the setting of a degenerative meniscus tear is of any clinical value. Determining this would either justify the expenses associated with arthroscopic meniscectomy on a large number of patients, or would identify an area of significant potential cost savings.
Who can participate
Age range
45 Years – 70 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Veteran
* Age between 45 and 70 years
* Degenerative meniscus tear as seen on standard clinical MRI scan
* Complaint of "mechanical symptoms" which would include popping, catching, or locking of the knee
* Persistent symptoms for a minimum of three months despite conservative management
* Patient is enrolled for arthroscopic meniscectomy
* Subject agrees to the study follow-up schedule and signs informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Radiographic osteoarthritis of the knee in any compartment greater than KL grade 2
* Prior knee arthroscopy within two years of study enrollment
* Unable to have an MRI scan
* Does not agree to participate
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.