Our Summary

This research paper looks at whether medical exercise therapy (MET) alone is as good as MET combined with a surgical procedure called arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) for treating knee pain, activity level, and physical function in middle-aged patients with a specific type of knee injury known as a degenerative meniscal tear (DMT). The researchers looked at various studies on the topic and found that, for up to six months, the combination of APM + MET generally resulted in better pain control and physical function than MET alone. However, these differences disappeared at longer follow-up times. Therefore, while the combination therapy may be beneficial in the short term, the potential of using only MET for treating DMT should also be considered.

FAQs

  1. What is the research paper about?
  2. What was the conclusion of the research in terms of using MET alone versus combining it with APM for treating DMT?
  3. Did the combination of APM and MET prove to be more effective in the longer term?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about meniscectomy is to follow a physical therapy program after the surgery to help improve strength, flexibility, and function in the affected knee. This can help optimize recovery and prevent future injury.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for meniscectomy are those with a degenerative meniscal tear (DMT) who have not responded well to conservative treatments such as physical therapy or medication. These patients may experience persistent knee pain, swelling, and limited function that significantly impacts their daily activities. Additionally, patients with mechanical symptoms such as locking or catching of the knee joint may also be candidates for meniscectomy to relieve these symptoms and improve joint stability. It is important for patients to discuss their individual case with their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their specific condition.

Timeline

  • Before meniscectomy:
  1. Patient experiences knee pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the knee joint.
  2. Patient may undergo physical therapy and use pain medications to manage symptoms.
  3. Patient may receive a diagnosis of a degenerative meniscal tear (DMT) through imaging tests such as MRI.
  4. Patient and healthcare provider discuss treatment options, including arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) and medical exercise therapy (MET).
  • After meniscectomy:
  1. Patient undergoes arthroscopic partial meniscectomy surgery to remove the damaged portion of the meniscus.
  2. Patient may experience initial pain and swelling post-surgery, which can be managed with pain medications and ice therapy.
  3. Patient begins physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and range of motion in the knee.
  4. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and sports, following a personalized recovery plan.
  5. Patient may experience improvements in knee pain, function, and activity level in the short term after surgery.
  6. Long-term follow-up may show that the benefits of surgery diminish over time, and the patient may need to continue with maintenance exercises and lifestyle modifications to prevent future knee issues.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with meniscectomy surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after meniscectomy surgery?
  3. Will I need physical therapy after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  4. What are the chances of the meniscus tearing again after the surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that could be considered instead of surgery?
  6. How will meniscectomy surgery affect my long-term knee health and function?
  7. What is the success rate of meniscectomy surgery for patients with my specific type of knee injury?
  8. Will I need to make any lifestyle or activity modifications after the surgery?
  9. What can I do to help prevent future knee injuries after the surgery?
  10. How soon after the surgery can I expect to return to my normal activities and exercise routine?

Reference

Authors: Ma J, Chen H, Liu A, Cui Y, Ma X. Journal: J Orthop Surg Res. 2020 Jun 15;15(1):219. doi: 10.1186/s13018-020-01741-3. PMID: 32539864