Is a Knee Arthroscopy of Any Benefit for the Middleaged Patient With Meniscal Symptoms?

Is a Knee Arthroscopy of Any Benefit for the Middleaged Patient With Meniscal Symptoms?

The purpose of this study is to determine whether a knee arthroscopy is effective in the treatment of middleaged patients with meniscal symptoms also receiving a standardised exercise program.

There are no studies proving a significant positive effect of a knee arthroscopy in middleaged patients with meniscal symptoms in excess of a structured rehabilitation program. In this study consecutive patients aged 45-64 years referred to the orthopaedic department at the University hospital Linköping for a suspected meniscal injury will be randomised to a rehabilitation program or a knee arthroscopy + the same rehabilitation program. Functional tests will be performed by a physiotherapist. There will be patient administrated questionaries sent out after 3 and 12 month.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All (consecutive) patients referred to the orthopaedic department in Linköping for a suspected meniscal injury
• Age:45-64 years old
• No gonarthrosis (Ahlbäck=0) on standing radiographs

Exclusion Criteria:

• Rheumatic disease
• Patellofemoral arthrosis
• Fibromyalgia
• A knee or hip replacement
• A neurologic disorder including stroke
• A contraindication for an operation
• Catching or locking for more than 2 seconds more than once a week
• A permanent extension deficit
• Patients who cannot understand instructions in Swedish