Article

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a 12-wk exercise
therapy program and arthroscopic partial meniscectomy on knee strength and
functional performance in middle-aged patients with degenerative meniscus tears.
DESIGN: A total of 82 patients (mean age, 49 yrs; 35% women) with a symptomatic,
unilateral, magnetic resonance imaging-verified degenerative meniscus tear and no
or mild radiographic osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to a supervised
neuromuscular and strength exercise program or arthroscopic partial meniscectomy.
Outcomes assessed 3 mos after intervention initiation were isokinetic knee muscle
strength, lower extremity performance, and self-reported global rating of change.
RESULTS: Mean difference in isokinetic knee extension peak torque between the two
groups was 16% (95% confidence interval, 7.1-24.0) (P < 0.0001), favoring the
exercise group. Patients in the exercise group improved isokinetic knee extension
peak by a mean of 25 Nm (range, 18-33 Nm) from baseline to follow-up.
Furthermore, patients assigned to exercise therapy showed statistically
significant improvements (P </= 0.002) in all other measured variables, with
moderate to large effect sizes (0.5-1.3). Patients reported a similar and
positive effect of both interventions. CONCLUSION: A 12-wk supervised exercise
therapy program yielded clinically relevant and statistically significant
improvement in isokinetic quadriceps strength immediately after completion of the
program, as compared with treatment with arthroscopic partial meniscectomy.

Langue : ANGLAIS