National Basketball Association Players’ Return to Play and Performance After Operative Treatment of Meniscal Tears

Prior studies have examined return-to-play (RTP) rates and performance outcomes following meniscus surgery in professional basketball players but have largely focused on earlier eras. With advancements in surgical techniques, rehabilitation, and player management strategies, updated insights into postoperative outcomes are needed. We hypothesized that National Basketball Association (NBA) players would demonstrate a higher return-to-play (RTP) rate than the ~80% reported in 2010, with short-term performance declines but recovery by the second postoperative season. We also evaluated the impact of age, body mass index (BMI), and position on outcomes. NBA players who sustained isolated meniscal tears and underwent surgery between 2010 and 2023 were identified through public databases. Performance metrics-including games played, minutes per game (MPG), player efficiency rating (PER), and distance covered per game-were assessed preoperatively and at one and two years postoperatively. Multivariable linear regression analyzed associations between age, BMI, position, and outcomes. Of 47 eligible players, 43 (90.7%) returned to NBA play. Players missed a median of 17 ± 34 games postoperatively and continued their careers for an average of 4.7 ± 3.4 seasons. The percentage of games played per season significantly declined at one (60.9%, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and two years (64.2%, <i>p</i> < 0.01) postoperatively versus pre-injury (79%), a novel finding. MPG and PER declined at one year (22.3 vs. 26.0, <i>p</i> = 0.02; 14.6 vs. 16.4, <i>p</i> = 0.04) but recovered by year two (23.8 MPG, 15.8 PER; both <i>p</i> > 0.1). Older age correlated with reduced games played, MPG, and PER. BMI and position had no significant impact. NBA players demonstrate high RTP rates after meniscus surgery. While playing time and efficiency recover by year two, reduced availability persists, likely reflecting ongoing workload management strategies.