Our Summary

The purpose of this study was to see if strength-based exercise programs helped people who had a specific knee surgery (partial meniscectomy). To do this, the researchers looked at data from three medical databases. They paid attention to how strong the patients’ thigh muscles were before and after the program, how the patients felt about their knee health, and how much pain they were feeling.

The researchers analyzed data from nine studies that included 417 patients. They found that there was no major difference in the patients’ thigh muscle strength before and after the program for both the exercise group and the control group (a group not doing the strength-based exercises). However, the patients’ perceived knee health improved significantly in both groups after the program. The amount of pain also decreased in both groups, but more so in the exercise group.

In conclusion, strength-based exercise programs didn’t significantly improve muscle strength for patients who had this type of knee surgery, compared to those who didn’t do the exercises. But these programs did improve patients’ perceived knee health and decrease their pain more than the control group. The researchers suggest further studies to find out more about what types of exercises are best, how much weight to use, and how often to train.

FAQs

  1. What was the aim of the study about strength-based rehabilitation programs?
  2. What were the findings of the study regarding the effect of strength-based exercise programs on patients who underwent partial meniscectomy procedures?
  3. Why are further studies needed following the results of this study on postpartial meniscectomy patients?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about meniscectomy is to participate in a strength-based rehabilitation program. This type of program can help improve functional outcomes such as quadriceps and hamstring strength, as well as patient-reported outcomes like Knee Osteoarthritis and Outcome Score and visual analog scale. It is important to follow the guidance of a physical therapist or healthcare provider to ensure proper exercise selection, load progression, and frequency of training for optimal recovery and outcomes.

Suitable For

Patients who have undergone partial meniscectomy procedures are typically recommended strength-based rehabilitation programs to improve functional outcomes such as quadriceps and hamstring strengths, as well as patient-reported outcomes such as Knee Osteoarthritis and Outcome Score and visual analog scale scores. This study found that strength-based exercise programs for patients post-partial meniscectomy did not result in significantly different improvements in quadriceps or hamstring strength compared with control programs. However, strength-based exercise programs did result in significantly higher Knee Osteoarthritis and Outcome Scores and a greater decrease in visual analog scale scores. Further studies, specifically well-designed systematic randomized controlled trials, are necessary to determine the specifics behind what type of exercises to use in addition to load progression and frequency of training for these patients.

Timeline

Before Meniscectomy:

  1. Patient experiences knee pain, swelling, and limited range of motion.
  2. Patient undergoes physical examination and imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis of a meniscus tear.
  3. Patient may undergo conservative treatments such as rest, ice, physical therapy, and pain medication.

After Meniscectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes partial meniscectomy surgery to remove the torn part of the meniscus.
  2. Patient undergoes postoperative rehabilitation, which may include strength-based exercise programs.
  3. Patient gradually increases physical activity and range of motion under the guidance of a physical therapist.
  4. Patient experiences improvements in Knee Osteoarthritis and Outcome Scores and a decrease in pain levels as they continue with their rehabilitation program.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about meniscectomy may include:

  1. What is a meniscectomy and why is it recommended for me?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a meniscectomy procedure?
  3. What is the expected recovery time after a meniscectomy?
  4. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery?
  5. Are there any specific exercises or strength-based rehabilitation programs that I should follow post-surgery?
  6. How soon can I return to normal activities and sports after a meniscectomy?
  7. What are the long-term effects of a meniscectomy on my knee joint?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider before opting for a meniscectomy?
  9. How often should I follow up with you after the surgery?
  10. Are there any specific precautions or lifestyle modifications I should take to prevent future knee injuries or complications?

Reference

Authors: Vivekanantha P, Diao D, Cohen D, Murphy B, de Sa D. Journal: Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2023 Sep 1;102(9):764-772. doi: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000002198. Epub 2023 Feb 1. PMID: 36753452