What is the mechanism of action of this treatment?

Common treatments for meniscus tears include conservative management (rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications) and surgical interventions such as partial meniscectomy. The Nanoscope for Partial Meniscectomy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses a smaller diameter scope to remove the damaged meniscal tissue. This approach aims to reduce pain and improve function by preserving as much of the healthy meniscus as possible, which is crucial for maintaining knee stability and function. Understanding these mechanisms helps patients appreciate the benefits of minimally invasive techniques, such as faster recovery times, reduced pain, and lower risk of complications compared to traditional arthroscopy.

What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

The known side effects of minimally invasive surgical techniques for meniscus tears, such as the Nanoscope for Partial Meniscectomy, include pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee post-surgery. There is also a risk of infection, deep vein thrombosis, and potential damage to surrounding structures like cartilage or ligaments. Some patients may experience persistent pain or limited range of motion despite the surgery.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

The FDA has approved several treatments for meniscus tears, including arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, which has been the gold standard since the 1980s. This procedure involves the removal of the torn portion of the meniscus using an arthroscope, a minimally invasive surgical tool. More recently, the Nanoscope, a smaller diameter arthroscope, is being studied for its potential to reduce pain and expedite recovery compared to standard arthroscopy. Non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy and intra-articular injections (e.g., corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid) are also commonly used and have FDA approval for managing symptoms associated with meniscus tears.

What other types of research exist?

Promising, novel alternatives to Nanoscope for partial meniscectomy in 2024 include standard arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, which has been the gold standard since the 1980s. Additionally, advancements in robotic-assisted arthroscopy and the use of biologic treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stem cell therapy in conjunction with minimally invasive techniques are emerging as potential alternatives. These methods aim to reduce pain, enhance recovery, and improve overall outcomes for patients with meniscus tears.

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Nanoscopic Meniscectomy vs Standard Meniscectomy for Meniscus Tears

N/A

Recruiting

Research Sponsored by Marshall University

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up 24 hours

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial is testing a new, smaller surgical tool called a Nanoscope for knee surgery on patients with meniscus tears. The goal is to see if this tool can reduce pain and speed up recovery compared to the standard method. The NanoScope is part of a new generation of minimally invasive surgical tools that do not require standard incisions or portals.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for individuals with confirmed meniscus tears, shown by MRI, who have enough joint space and are undergoing their first knee arthroscopy. It's not for those over 60, on workers' compensation, or needing revision surgeries.

What is being tested?

The study compares two surgical methods for treating meniscus tears: a newer technique using a smaller Nanoscope and the traditional standard arthroscopic surgery. The goal is to see if the Nanoscope leads to less pain and quicker recovery.

What are the potential side effects?

While specific side effects aren't listed, typical risks of meniscectomy include pain at the incision site, swelling, infection risk, blood clots in legs or lungs (rare), and potential complications from anesthesia.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ 24 hours

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~24 hours

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 24 hours for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Functional Outcomes Following Partial Meniscectomy: International Knee Documentation Committee Score

Functional Outcomes following partial meniscectomy: Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Score

Secondary study objectives

Narcotic Medication Use

Pain: Visual Analog Pain Score

Return to work

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Nanoscopic Partial MeniscectomyExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

This is the experimental group. patients will have a partial meniscectomy performed using the arthrex nanoscope

Group II: Standard Partial MeniscectomyActive Control1 Intervention

Patients will have a partial meniscectomy performed using standard arthroscopic equipment which is the current gold standard

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Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Common treatments for meniscus tears include conservative management (rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications) and surgical interventions such as partial meniscectomy. The Nanoscope for Partial Meniscectomy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses a smaller diameter scope to remove the damaged meniscal tissue. This approach aims to reduce pain and improve function by preserving as much of the healthy meniscus as possible, which is crucial for maintaining knee stability and function. Understanding these mechanisms helps patients appreciate the benefits of minimally invasive techniques, such as faster recovery times, reduced pain, and lower risk of complications compared to traditional arthroscopy.