Our Summary

This research paper is about a study comparing two treatments for a common knee problem called degenerative meniscal tear. This condition causes pain, swelling, and limited movement in the knee. The two treatments compared were medical exercise therapy alone and a combination of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (a type of knee surgery) with medical exercise therapy.

The researchers looked at six different studies involving 900 patients. They measured the levels of pain, how well the knee could move, and any complications after the treatment. They found that the combination of surgery and exercise therapy was more effective in reducing pain and improving knee movement in the early stages after the operation than exercise therapy alone.

However, the study had some limitations. For example, there were only a few studies included and the number of patients was small. Also, the studies didn’t follow up with the patients for a very long time, so it’s not clear how well the treatments work in the long term.

Despite these limitations, the results suggest that doctors might want to consider the combination of surgery and exercise therapy for the treatment of degenerative meniscal tear. But more research is needed to figure out the best type, frequency, and duration of the exercise program.

FAQs

  1. What is a degenerative meniscal tear and what are its symptoms?
  2. What treatments were compared in this study for degenerative meniscal tear?
  3. What were the findings of the research on combining surgery and exercise therapy for treating degenerative meniscal tear?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give to a patient about meniscectomy is to follow a proper rehabilitation program after surgery. This may include physical therapy exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and restore range of motion. It is important to adhere to the prescribed exercise regimen to ensure a successful recovery and prevent further injury. Additionally, it is important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard, as overexertion could impede the healing process. Lastly, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet can help support the healing process and prevent future knee issues.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for meniscectomy are those who have a degenerative meniscal tear that is causing significant pain, swelling, and limited movement in the knee. These patients may have tried other conservative treatments such as physical therapy and medication without success. They may also have symptoms that are not improving or are getting worse over time.

In some cases, meniscectomy may be recommended for patients with a traumatic meniscal tear that is causing significant symptoms and affecting their daily activities. These patients may have tried other treatments without success and may have persistent pain, swelling, and limited movement in the knee.

Overall, patients who are recommended for meniscectomy are those who have persistent and significant symptoms related to their meniscal tear that are impacting their quality of life and daily activities. It is important for patients to discuss their treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for their individual situation.

Timeline

Before meniscectomy:

  1. Patient experiences pain, swelling, and limited movement in the knee due to a degenerative meniscal tear.
  2. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as MRI to confirm the diagnosis.
  3. Doctor discusses treatment options with the patient, including medical exercise therapy and arthroscopic partial meniscectomy.
  4. Patient may undergo physical therapy or other conservative treatments before considering surgery.
  5. Surgery is scheduled and patient receives pre-operative instructions.

After meniscectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, where the damaged part of the meniscus is removed.
  2. Patient may experience pain and swelling in the knee immediately after surgery.
  3. Patient starts physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises to regain strength and range of motion in the knee.
  4. Patient gradually resumes daily activities and sports under the guidance of a physical therapist.
  5. Patient follows up with the doctor for post-operative appointments to monitor progress and address any complications.
  6. Patient continues with long-term follow-up care to ensure the knee heals properly and to monitor for any signs of arthritis or other complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with meniscectomy surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery time after meniscectomy surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of meniscectomy surgery in relieving pain and improving knee movement?
  4. Are there alternative treatments to meniscectomy surgery that I should consider?
  5. How long do the benefits of meniscectomy surgery typically last?
  6. What type of physical therapy or exercise program will I need to follow after meniscectomy surgery?
  7. How soon after surgery can I return to normal activities and sports?
  8. Are there any factors that may affect the success of meniscectomy surgery, such as age or severity of the tear?
  9. What is the likelihood of needing additional surgery in the future after undergoing meniscectomy?
  10. Are there any specific precautions or lifestyle changes I should take after meniscectomy surgery to prevent future knee injuries?

Reference

Authors: Pan H, Zhang P, Zhang Z, Yang Q. Journal: Int J Surg. 2020 Jul;79:222-232. doi: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2020.05.035. Epub 2020 Jun 6. PMID: 32522685