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Long-term outcome of meniscectomy: symptoms, function, and performance tests in patients with or without radiographic osteoarthritis compared to matched controls

https://doi.org/10.1053/joca.2000.0391Get rights and content
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Abstract

Objective To describe the long-term influence of meniscectomy on pain, functional limitations, and muscular performance. To assess the effects of radiographic osteoarthritis (OA), gender and age on these outcomes in patients with meniscectomy.

Design 159 subjects (35 women), mean age 53 years, were examined 19 (17–22) years after open meniscectomy. Self-reported symptoms and function were assessed, performance tests were carried out and radiographs were taken. Sixty-eight age- and gender-matched controls were examined likewise. The data was analysed in two steps. First, subjects with meniscectomy were compared to the controls, and subgroup analyses were carried out with regard to radiographic OA, gender and age. Second, similar comparisons were carried out within the meniscectomized group.

Results Meniscectomized subjects reported significantly (P< 0.001) more symptoms and functional limitations than did controls. This was also true when operated subjects without OA were compared to controls without OA. Within the meniscectomized group, severe radiographic OA (joint space narrowing grade 2 or more) and female gender, but not older age, was associated with more symptoms and functional limitations. Meniscectomy was associated with worse muscular performance. Female gender and older age were associated with worse muscular performance in the study group.

Conclusions Meniscectomy is associated with long-term symptoms and functional limitations, especially in women. Patients who had developed severe radiographic OA experienced more symptoms and functional limitations. Age did not influence self-reported outcomes, however older age was associated with worse muscular performance.

Keywords

Meniscectomy, Long-term outcome, Symptoms, Function

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Supported by grants from the Swedish Rheumatism Association, The Swedish Foundation for Health Care Sciences and Allergy Research, The Swedish National Center for Research in Sports, The Swedish Medical Research Council, Lund University Hospital and Medical Faculty

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Address correspondence to: Ewa Roos, PT PhD, Dept. of Orthopedics, Lund University Hospital, S-221 85 Lund, Sweden. Tel: +46 42 142 142; Fax: +46 42 13 35 50; E-mail:[email protected]