[Open versus arthroscopic meniscectomy: on meniscectomy by arthrotomy].

Articles in the general press, radio and television give the impression that the open operation method for the meniscus is obsolete and passé. With a row of arguments such as ambulant treatment, lower costs, reduced morbidity and shorter operation time etc. attempts are made to demonstrate its advantages. There are comprehensive opinions on each individual point and results from the literature are compared with those of a personal postexamination about open meniscal resection. It can definitely be shown, however, that the postoperative effusion rate by open operation is much lower than with the arthroscopic method. It must be stressed that the arthroscopic operation may cause considerable damage particularly in the cartilage of the joints. It has been determined that for the arthroscopic operation great experience and technical ability is necessary. If these and adequate technical equipment are not guaranteed, then the open method is regarded as the far superior.