Definition

1. Noun:
   • A surgical procedure to remove all or part of the meniscus in the knee: A meniscectomy is an operation where a surgeon excises (cuts out) the damaged cartilage (meniscus) from the knee joint.

Usage

• The word "meniscectomy" is a specific medical term. It is used primarily in clinical, surgical, and patient-care contexts to describe the type of surgery performed.
• It functions as a countable noun (e.g., , ).

Examples

• Noun:
  • The orthopedic surgeon recommended a partial meniscectomy to treat the torn cartilage.
  • After his sports injury, he recovered well from his arthroscopic meniscectomy.
  • A complete meniscectomy is less common now due to the importance of the meniscus for knee stability.

Advanced Usage

• "Partial meniscectomy": A surgical procedure where only the torn or damaged portion of the meniscus is removed, preserving as much healthy cartilage as possible.

  • The surgeon opted for a partial meniscectomy to maintain more of the knee's natural cushioning.

• "Arthroscopic meniscectomy": A minimally invasive version of the surgery performed using an arthroscope (a small camera) and instruments inserted through tiny incisions.

  • An arthroscopic meniscectomy typically allows for a faster recovery than open surgery.

Variants and Related Words

• Meniscectomies (n): The plural form.

  • The study compared outcomes for hundreds of meniscectomies.

• Meniscectomy is a compound noun formed from:

  • Meniscus (n): The C-shaped piece of tough, rubbery cartilage that acts as a shock absorber in the knee (and other joints).
  • -ectomy (suffix): A suffix meaning "surgical removal of," from the Greek ektomē.

Synonyms

• Meniscal resection: A more general clinical term for the surgical removal of meniscal tissue.
• Cartilage removal surgery: A less specific, descriptive synonym.

Related Phrases

• To undergo a meniscectomy: To have this surgery performed on oneself.

  • The athlete had to undergo a meniscectomy and missed the rest of the season.

• To perform a meniscectomy: To carry out this surgical procedure (from the surgeon's perspective).

  • The doctor will perform the meniscectomy tomorrow morning.

Noun

1. surgical removal of the meniscus of the knee