Exercise Therapy versus Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy for Degenerative Meniscal Tear in Middle Aged Patients

Abstract

Background: Degenerative meniscal tears are prevalent among middle-aged individuals, often leading to significant knee pain and functional impairment. The effectiveness of non-surgical interventions, such as exercise therapy, compared to arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM), remains a key area of research in managing this condition. Objective: To compare the efficacy of exercise therapy versus APM in improving pain relief, functional outcomes, and patient satisfaction in middle-aged patients with degenerative meniscal tears. Methods: This randomized control trial was conducted at Lahore General Hospital from May to November 2023, enrolling 80 patients aged 40 to 60 years with confirmed symptomatic degenerative meniscal tears via MRI. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either exercise therapy or APM. Outcomes were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) for functionality. Results: The study included 80 participants, with mean ages of 52.09 ± 4.31 years in the exercise group and 52.98 ± 3.43 years in the APM group. Initial VAS scores were 6.5 and 6.7 respectively. Post-treatment, the exercise group reported a VAS score of 5.2, and the APM group 5.0 (p=0.345). KOOS scores were 80 in the exercise group and 82 in the APM group (p=0.421). The return to activity rates were 75% for the exercise group and 80% for the APM group (p=0.632). Conclusion: Both exercise therapy and APM provided comparable pain relief, functional improvements, and high patient satisfaction in the treatment of degenerative meniscal tears in middle-aged patients.