Objective: To describe the development and feasibility of an exercise therapy program for treatment of young adults (18-40 years of age) with a meniscal tear.
Methods: Researchers and experienced physical therapists developed a 12-week supervised neuromuscular and strengthening exercise therapy program based on clinical expertise and available evidence. Six patients (age range 22-39 years) considered eligible for meniscal surgery by an orthopedic surgeon underwent the program. Patients completed the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and evaluated the program during a semi-structured qualitative interview. Feedback from patients was included to finalize the exercise therapy program.
Results: Median improvements (Range) in KOOS subscales were 15 (0-33) for Pain, 11 (-11 to 50) for Symptoms, 16 (3-37) for Function in daily living, 23 (10-45) for Function in sport and recreation, and 9 (-6 to 31) for Quality of life. The patients found the program relevant and effective with only a few short-lasting adverse events and important clinical improvements after four to ten weeks. Physical therapist supervision was considered important. No patients wanted surgery up to 6 month after the exercise therapy program.
Conclusion: A neuromuscular and strengthening exercise therapy program was feasible and showed important improvement in a small group of young adults with meniscal tears.
Keywords: Exercise therapy; Knee injuries; Menisci; Tibial.
Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.