Proprioception and functional deficits of partial meniscectomized knees.

Background: The partial meniscectomy leads to proprioceptive knee deficits in a short period after the arthroscopic procedure; however, to our knowledge, a limited number of studies have investigated the long-term outcomes of partial meniscectomy on the knee joint proprioception.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the proprioception and muscle function of the partial meniscectomized knee through balance and functional tests 1-2 years posterior to arthroscopic surgery.

Design: This was an observational study.

Setting: Partially meniscectomized persons after 1-2 years.

Population: Twenty-six male patients who had an arthroscopic partial meniscectomy at the age between 20-40.

Methods: All patients performed balance (Biodex Stability System and balance boards) and functional (triple jump) tests. On the balance system the deviations from the horizontal plane were recorded, on the balance boards their performance was timed, and on the functional test triple jump their performance was recorded in meters.

Results: One-way Anova was used to determine significant differences between the healthy and injured limb. The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05. The results revealed significant differences (p<0.05) between the healthy and injured limb at all balance and functional tests performed.

Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that 1-2 years after partial meniscectomy, patients had reduced proprioception and knee muscular ability in the operated leg compared to the non-operated leg. Clinical rehabilitation impact. Proprioception and knee muscular ability deficits significantly affect objective knee function, indicating the importance not only of the restoring muscle function but also of the proprioception ability in partial meniscectomy patients.