MUSCLE STRENGTH IMBALANCE AND KINESIOPHOBIA IN MENISCUS PATIENTS

EVALUATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MUSCLE STRENGTH IMBALANCE AND KINESIOPHOBIA IN POSTOPERATIVE AND CONSERVATIVELY MANAGED MENISCUS PATIENTS

This study is a cross-sectional and comparative clinical investigation designed to examine the relationship between periarticular muscle strength imbalance and kinesiophobia levels in individuals with meniscal injuries receiving postoperative or conservative treatment, and to determine whether this relationship differs according to the treatment modality.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being between 18 and 50 years of age, with a diagnosis of meniscal injury (male or female)
• Having a medial meniscal injury confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Presence of a unilateral injury
• Voluntary agreement to participate in the study
• A minimum of 3 weeks having elapsed since surgery for postoperative participants
• A minimum of 2 months having elapsed since injury for participants receiving conservative treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

• Concomitant anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury or additional ligament injuries such as posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), or medial collateral ligament (MCL)
• History of fracture or significant trauma to the lower extremity within the past 6 months
• Current or previous neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, Parkinson's disease)
• Vestibular system disorders or any conditions affecting balance
• Presence of a second surgical intervention or postoperative complications
• Osteoarthritis with a Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥ 2
• Contracture or severe limitation of knee range of motion restricting joint mobility