meniscectomy /men′isek″təmē/ [Gk, meniskos, crescent, ektomē, excision] , surgical excision of one of the crescent-shaped cartilages of the knee joint. It is performed when a torn cartilage results in chronic pain and in instability or locking of the joint. After surgery the leg is kept elevated to reduce swelling, and exercises are performed to maintain muscle strength. See also arthroscopy.
