Abstract
Background: Knee joint effusion is a common adverse event after arthroscopic procedures and its prevention is crucial to achieve better clinical outcomes, such as pain relief, improved range of movement and global satisfaction. Objective: The aim of this study is to compare joint effusion after partial arthroscopic meniscectomy between a common postoperative management and a short period in deep flexion. Methods: A prospective study randomizes 62 patients who underwent arthroscopic partial meniscectomy into 2 groups of postoperative care: compression elastic bandage with elevation for 24 hours (compression group) versus immediate postoperative deep flexion for 2 hours (flexion group). Clinical evaluation of effusion was made at 24 hours, 7 days and 1-month post-surgery. Results: Overall at 24 hours patients showed 53% absent effusion, 35% minimum, 11% had mild or more severe effusion. Effusion rates in the compression group were 13%, 10% and 0%; in the flexion group 10%, 6.4% and 0%, at 24 hours, 7 days and 1 month, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between them (p > 0.05). Conclusion: In the studied population, position of the knee in deep flexion had similar influence in effusion outcomes than a standard widely used treatment, offering an alternative in the postoperative care of the patients.
Highlights
Clinical evaluation of effusion was made at 24 hours, 7 days and 1-month post-surgery
It is known that articular effusion causes postoperative inconvenience such as pain; influences recovery process, tissue repair, range of movement (ROM), muscle activation, clinical evolution and global satisfaction of the procedure [1] [2] [3] [4]
Compression group was managed with 1) compressive elastic bandage over a soft bandage installed previously from distal to proximal, to prevent excessive compression; and 2) elevated knee on a metallic platform that holds the leg leaving the hip and knee flexed in 45 degrees for approximately 24 hours
Summary
It is known that articular effusion causes postoperative inconvenience such as pain; influences recovery process, tissue repair, range of movement (ROM), muscle activation, clinical evolution and global satisfaction of the procedure [1] [2] [3] [4]. Partial meniscectomy consists in removing injured meniscal tissue aiming to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible in an attempt to reduce pain and long-term chondral damage [8]. This procedure is indicated in different types of meniscal lesions resulting in the most common of all orthopedic surgeries [9]. Conclusion: In the studied population, position of the knee in deep flexion had similar influence in effusion outcomes than a standard widely used treatment, offering an alternative in the postoperative care of the patients
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
