Return to sport after arthroscopic meniscectomy on stable knees

Abstract

BackgroundAthletes suffering from any injuries want to know when they will be able to return sports activity. The period of return-to-sport after the arthroscopic meniscectomy is still unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the period of the return-to-sport from surgery and the clinical symptoms after the meniscectomy on stable knees.MethodsFifty-six athletes who underwent the arthroscopic meniscectomy were evaluated. The patients with an average age of 26.7 years (range, 13–67) comprised 45 men and 11 women, 16 medial meniscus and 40 lateral meniscus injuries. The average of the follow-up period was 9.2 months. The parameter examined were age, the injured side of meniscus (medial or lateral), articular cartilage status, amount of resection, and sports activity level.ResultsThe mean period was 54 days in young group, and was 89 days in old group (p = 0.0013). The period was 79 days in medial meniscus (MM) injured group, and was 61 days in lateral meniscus (LM) group (p = 0.017). There was a significant difference among the groups in activity levels and in amount of resection. Pain and/or effusion in the knee after the return-to-sport were found 22% of the MM group and 53% in the LM group.ConclusionsThe period of the return-to-sport was shorter in young age, high activity and large amount of resection group. Although athletes in LM group can return to sports earlier than those in MM group, more than half of athletes have pain or effusion at the time of return-to sport.

The influence of an off-the-shelf lateral wedge orthotic on knee loading during running

“…Unlike the current study, Lewinson et al (2013) reported lower knee loading with increased LWI thickness when compared with a neutral condition, although not significant. The variation in lower limb motion between individuals in the current is likely due to the varied footstrike patterns reported.…”

“…Younger individuals who sustain a knee injury during sport are likely to return to physical activity following treatment (Kim et al, 2013). With increased risk of developing knee OA, identifying preventative measures to delay the progression of OA during dynamic tasks such as running is required.…”

“…Previously, customised LWI have demonstrated reduced knee loading when compared to medial wedge insoles during running (Lewinson et al, 2013) but no difference compared with neutral insoles. Yet, participants reported discomfort with increased wedge thickness.…”

A conceptual framework for a sports knee injury performance profile (SKIPP) and return to activity criteria (RTAC)

“…age and sex) are non-modifiable factors, understanding their relationship to re-injury and function can guide clinicians in monitoring and counseling athletes appropriately. Younger athletes with knee injuries typically return more frequently and earlier to sports than older athletes 69 , 70 . However, younger athletes (under the age of 25) are also more likely to suffer a second ACL injury after primary ACLR 71 - 73 .…”

“…One year after ACLR, athletes who had not returned to sports reported an average pain intensity of 1.0±1.1 out of 10 (0=no pain, 10=worst imaginable pain) 145 . Upon returning to sport after meniscectomy, pain and effusion can persist and should be monitored 70 . Pain can have a role in the decision-making process for allowing athletes to safely return to sports, but it should not be the sole determinant.…”