What Is the Meniscus, and Why Is It Important for Joint Function?

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage located in the knee joint. Each knee has two menisci — one on the inside (medial) and one on the outside (lateral) of the joint. These structures act like shock absorbers, helping to cushion the bones, distribute weight evenly, and stabilize the joint during movement.

When the meniscus is torn — often due to twisting or sudden impact — patients may experience pain, swelling, locking, or difficulty moving the knee properly. Depending on the severity and type of tear, surgical treatment may be required to restore normal function and relieve symptoms.

How Is a Meniscectomy Procedure Performed?

A meniscectomy is a minimally invasive surgery that involves removing the torn portion of the meniscus to alleviate pain and improve knee mobility. The procedure is usually done using arthroscopy, where small incisions are made, and a tiny camera (arthroscope) is inserted to guide miniature surgical instruments.

Latest Techniques & Advanced Technologies: FLOW 50 COBLATION

At our center, we go beyond traditional techniques by incorporating advanced technologies to ensure precision, safety, and faster recovery. One such innovation is the FLOW 50 COBLATION® technique.

COBLATION (Controlled Ablation) is a modern, low-temperature technology that uses radiofrequency energy combined with saline to gently and precisely remove damaged tissue. The FLOW 50 wand is specifically designed for knee procedures like meniscectomy, offering:

• Targeted removal of torn meniscus with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue

• Reduced heat compared to traditional lasers or electrocautery, minimizing the risk of injury

• Improved visualization during surgery due to integrated suction and fluid flow

• Faster recovery and less post-operative pain in many cases

By using FLOW 50 COBLATION, we aim to preserve as much healthy meniscus as possible, which is critical for maintaining long-term knee health and preventing arthritis down the line.

 Technical Advantages of FLOW 50 COBLATION

• Precision and Control: The FLOW 50 wand features a 45-degree ceramic bevel tip, allowing surgeons to target damaged tissue accurately while preserving healthy cartilage.

• Variable Power Settings: The system offers multiple operating modes tailored for different tissue types, enhancing versatility during procedures.

• Enhanced Visualization: Integrated suction and fluid flow improve the surgical field's clarity, facilitating more efficient tissue removal.

• Reduced Thermal Damage: Operating at lower temperatures compared to traditional RF devices, the system minimizes the risk of thermal injury to surrounding tissues. 

Clinical Implications

The FLOW 50 COBLATION system offers a safe and effective alternative to traditional mechanical debridement in meniscectomy and chondroplasty procedures. Its precision and reduced thermal impact contribute to better patient outcomes, including improved knee function and reduced need for revision surgeries.ResearchGate

For patients considering meniscectomy or chondroplasty, discussing the potential benefits of the FLOW 50 COBLATION technique with your orthopedic surgeon can provide insights into the most appropriate treatment options for your specific condition.

Clinical Outcomes and Safety Profile

1. Two-Year Clinical Study on Knee Chondroplasty

A retrospective study evaluated 85 patients who underwent knee chondroplasty using the FLOW 50 COBLATION wand.At an average follow-up of 27.5 months:onderzoekmetmensen.nl+9smith-nephew.com+9smith-nephew.com+9ResearchGate+1PMC+1

• Only 14% required further surgery, primarily due to advanced cartilage damage (grade 4 lesions).

• No complications related to thermal injury were observed.

• Patient-reported outcomes, including the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores, indicated significant improvements in knee function and quality of life. ResearchGate+2ResearchGate+2PMC+2

2. Comparative Study: Radiofrequency Ablation vs. Mechanical Debridement

In a randomized controlled trial comparing radiofrequency (RF) ablation to mechanical debridement for knee chondroplasty:onderzoekmetmensen.nl+6PMC+6ResearchGate+6

• Patients treated with RF ablation reported better functional outcomes.

• There was a lower rate of re-operations in the RF ablation group.

• Second-look arthroscopies showed that 88% of lesions treated with RF ablation exhibited no progression, and 56% showed improvement with complete or partial filling.ResearchGateResearchGate+2PMC+2onderzoekmetmensen.nl+2

3. Long-Term Benefits of COBLATION Treatment

A study assessing the long-term effects of coblation treatment on knee cartilage quality found:onderzoekmetmensen.nl

• Coblation resulted in smoother cartilage surfaces compared to mechanical debridement.

• Patients reported better outcomes up to 10 years post-treatment.

• The technique minimized damage to surrounding healthy cartilage, reducing the risk of osteoarthritis progression.ScienceDirect+10onderzoekmetmensen.nl+10smith-nephew.com+10

Famous Athletes Who Returned to Sport After Meniscectomy Surgery

Dwyane Wade (NBA)

In 2002, during his college career at Marquette University, Dwyane Wade underwent surgery to remove the meniscus from his left knee. He later expressed regret over the decision, noting that it led to ongoing knee problems throughout his professional career with the Miami Heat. Wade highlighted that, at the time, the focus was on immediate return to play rather than long-term knee health, a perspective that has since evolved with advancements in surgical techniques.ESPN.com

Russell Westbrook (NBA)

Russell Westbrook underwent a meniscectomy after a knee injury during the 2013 NBA playoffs. Despite the surgery, he returned to play at an elite level, showcasing his resilience and the effectiveness of modern surgical interventions in facilitating athlete recovery.Wikipedia+2Reddit+2ESPN.com+2

Blake Griffin (NBA)

Blake Griffin had a partial meniscectomy in college and another during his NBA career. He managed to return to professional basketball, demonstrating the potential for athletes to regain high performance levels post-surgery.Reddit