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Published in: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 3/2013

Open Access 01-09-2013 | Original Article

Role of nonoperative treatment in managing degenerative tears of the medial meniscus posterior root

Authors: Devdatta Suhas Neogi, Ashok Kumar, Laxman Rijal, Chandra Shekhar Yadav, Ashish Jaiman, Hira Lal Nag

Published in: Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology | Issue 3/2013

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Abstract

Background

Tears of the medial meniscus posterior root can lead to progressive arthritis, and its management has no consensus. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of supervised exercise therapy on patients with medial meniscus posterior root tears.

Materials and methods

Between January 2005 and May 2007, 37 patients with this tear verified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and osteoarthritis grade 1–2 by radiographic examination were treated by a short course of analgesics daily for up to 6 weeks and then as required during follow-up, as well as a 12-week supervised exercise program followed by a home exercise program. Final analysis was performed for 33 patients, average age 55.8 (range 50–62) years and average follow-up of 35 (range 26–49) months. Patients were followed up at 3, 6, and 12 months and yearly thereafter using the Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, Tegner Activity Scale (TAS), and visual analog scale (VAS). The analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson’s correlation coefficient to determine the relationship between Lysholm score and body mass index (BMI).

Results

Patients showed an improvement in Lysholm score, TAS, and VAS, which reached maximum in 6 months and later was accompanied by a decline. However, scores at the final follow-up were significantly better than the pretherapy scores. There was also a progression in arthritis as per Kellgren and Lawrence radiographic classification from median 1 preintervention to median 2 at the final follow-up. A correlation between BMI and Lysholm scores was seen (r = 0.47).

Conclusion

Supervised physical therapy with a short course of analgesics followed by a home-based program results in symptomatic and functional improvement over a short-term follow-up; however, osteoarthritis progression continues and is related to BMI.
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Metadata
Title
Role of nonoperative treatment in managing degenerative tears of the medial meniscus posterior root
Authors
Devdatta Suhas Neogi
Ashok Kumar
Laxman Rijal
Chandra Shekhar Yadav
Ashish Jaiman
Hira Lal Nag
Publication date
01-09-2013
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology / Issue 3/2013
Print ISSN: 1590-9921
Electronic ISSN: 1590-9999
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10195-013-0234-2

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