One hundred and forty patients with degenerative meniscal tears were randomized to receive an arthroscopic partial meniscectomy procedure or a 12 week exercise program. The primary outcome of interest was the incidence of osteophytes and joint space narrowing progression measured radiographically. Secondary outcomes of interest included functional outcomes, the incidence of osteoarthritis and the change from baseline in the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) sub-scales. Results of the 5 year follow up were reported. No significant differences in all outcomes were observed between the exercise group and surgery group.