Abstract

BackgroundCurrent clinical practice guidelines for degenerative meniscal tears recommend conservative management yet patients are frequently referred to the consultant orthopaedic surgeon despite a lack of evidence for the use of arthroscopy. ObjectivesTo explore the beliefs about their condition and treatment expectations of patients referred to a secondary care orthopaedic clinic with a degenerative meniscal tear. Design and MethodsDesign and MethodsThis qualitative study involved ten patients who participated in semi-structured telephone interviews. Data were subjected to thematic analysis and findings were reported in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies. ResultsAnalysis identified five themes. Participants described beliefs, strongly influenced by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results, that damaged structures were causing their knee problems (“The meniscus is busted”), and expected their knee problems to inevitably worsen over time (“It's only going to get worse”). Participants were hopeful the orthopaedic consultation would clarify their problem and lead to a subsequent definitive intervention (“Hopefully they will give me answers”). Most participants viewed surgery as “the quick and straightforward solution” necessary to repair faulty cartilage. Exercise was not seen as compatible with the recovery process by most (“Would I make it worse?“). ConclusionsHow participants understand their knee problem contributes to surgical expectations and perceptions that it is not amenable to conservative management. Findings suggest a need to educate both patients and primary care clinicians about the safety and efficacy of exercise as first-line therapy for degenerative meniscal tears. The negative role of MRI in promoting surgical expectations needs further consideration.

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

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.