Muscle Weakness and Post-traumatic Knee OA

Muscle Weakness and Post-traumatic Knee OA

This is a single-center, randomized, single-blind (evaluator) study. Enrolled patients had a traumatic meniscal tear and underwent meniscectomy. The study included 6 weeks (12 visits) of standard or quadriceps intensive rehabilitation. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of quadriceps intensive rehabilitation on knee function and articular cartilage.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. traumatic onset meniscal tear (i.e. specific mechanism of injury)
2. meniscectomy surgery performed within 12 months of index injury
3. meniscal tear confirmed at the time of surgery
4. subject anticipates living in close proximity to Gainesville for one year following surgery.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. bilateral injury
2. concomitant ligamentous injury
3. previous knee injury
4. articular cartilage defect > Grade II on Outerbridge scale
5. patellofemoral joint pain > 3/10 with activity
6. lower limb alignment > 5 degrees of valgus or varus
7. contraindication to an MR examination including: a pacemaker, metal implants which are not MR compatible, pregnancy and severe claustrophobia.