Meniscus Surgery Weakens the Knees

People who undergo meniscectomy have long-term reduced knee function after the surgery due to decreased quadriceps strength, according to a new report.

Researchers at Malmö University Hospital (Sweden) and Lund University (Sweden) examined 45 patients (36% women, mean age 46.7) who had had an arthroscopic partial meniscectomy to repair meniscus tears a mean of four years previously. The patients were tested for isokinetic strength of knee extensors and flexors and functional performance, and filled out a questionnaire about knee pain and daily function.

The researchers found that in these patients, the leg that had a meniscectomy--surgical removal of all or part of the meniscus in the knee--had lower knee-extensor strength, but there was no difference between the operated and the nonoperated leg for knee flexor strength. Patients with a stronger quadriceps of the operated leg compared with the nonoperated leg had less pain and better function and quality of life. The study was published in the December 2006 issue of the journal Arthritis Care & Research.

"The reason for the functional limitations experienced by patients who have undergone meniscectomy is not clear,” said lead author Ylva B. Ericsson, P.T., M.Sc., of Malmö University Hospital. "This relative quadriceps weakness significantly affects objective and self-reported knee function, pain, and quality of life, indicating the importance of restoring muscle function after meniscectomy in middle-aged patients.”



Related Links:
Malmö University Hospital
Lund University