{"id":2499,"date":"2019-08-25T18:41:05","date_gmt":"2019-08-25T18:41:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/andreasphysioblog.com\/?p=2499"},"modified":"2021-07-13T04:49:10","modified_gmt":"2021-07-13T04:49:10","slug":"rehabilitation-following-meniscal-repair-a-systematic-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/andreasphysioblog.com\/?p=2499","title":{"rendered":"Rehabilitation following meniscal repair: a systematic review"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Rehabilitation following meniscal repair: a systematic\u00a0review<\/h1>\n<\/header>\n
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<\/div>\n
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\"Sk\u00e6rmbillede<\/p>\n

To cite: Spang\u00a0III\u00a0RC, Nasr\u00a0MC, Mohamadi\u00a0A, et\u00a0al. Rehabilitation following meniscal repair: a systematic review. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine 2018;4:e000212. doi:10.1136\/ bmjsem-2016-000212<\/p>\n

Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n

The menisci reduce stress by increasing the contact area between the femur and tibia. They buffer against axial, rotational and shearing forces about the knee during motion.<\/p>\n

Historically, the gold standard for meniscal repair has been the inside-out technique.<\/p>\n

\"Sk\u00e6rmbillede<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Several factors may influence meniscal healing. The most important may be the meniscal blood supply.<\/li>\n
  • The timing and type of meniscal tear may also impact healing. Acute, traumatic tears tend to have higher healing rates than chronic, atraumatic tears<\/li>\n
  • Longitudinal tears are more amenable to repair due to their vertical orientation (figure 2B), whereas radial tears extending to the central relatively avascular \u2018white-white\u2019 zone are more challenging.<\/li>\n
  • Age is another topic for consideration.<\/li>\n
  • Biomechanical factors, postoperative range of motion (ROM) and weight-bearing status can impact meniscal healing after repair. The interplay between tear type and knee biomechanics can help define the most appropriate postoperative plan.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Restricting a patient\u2019s postoperative ROM intends to limit the risk of re-tear. Cadaveric studies have shown that femorotibial contact pressures increase with knee flexion.20 If the ROM is restricted, the meniscal repair may be protected from increased mechanical stress.21 However, Richards et al. investigated the effects of compressive loads in porcine longitudinal lateral meniscus repairs and found that weight-bearing reduced the meniscus and stabilised the repair.<\/p>\n

    The highest compressive force occurred at full extension and the lowest was at 90\u00b0 of flexion. Beyond 100\u00b0 of flexion, it increased steadily (figure 3).<\/p>\n

    \"Sk\u00e6rmbillede<\/p>\n

    Postoperative rehabilitation aims to foster healing after meniscal repair and facilitate the patient\u2019s return to full function. Generally, these programmes are initially focused on protecting the repair while regaining ROM and gradually introducing progressive strengthening en route to a return to preinjury activity level.<\/p>\n

    Flow chart<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \"Sk\u00e6rmbillede<\/p>\n

    Results<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Seventeen clinical studies including 798 patients were reviewed in this systematic review.<\/p>\n

    A restricted rehabilitation protocol was used for 438 patients. An accelerated protocol with immediate weightbearing at tolerance was used in 360 patients.<\/p>\n

    Three studies compared restricted and accelerated protocol, which did not show any significant difference in complication rate or functional assessment (table 2). Although a meta-analysis was not possible, it seems accelerated rehabilitation protocols are not associated with higher failure rates following meniscal repair.<\/p>\n

    Discussion<\/strong><\/p>\n

    An MRI study of weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing knees found that the relative tibiofemoral movements of the loaded knee were similar to those in the unloaded knee. However, the medial femoral condyle moves approximately 4 mm anterior when the knee bends from full extension to 10\u00b0 of flexion while bearing weight. In the unloaded knee, the position of the medial femoral condyle did not change from extension to flexion. Laterally, the femoral condyle rolls forward 13 mm from 110\u00b0 to 60\u00b0 of flexion and 1 mm from 60\u00b0 to 0\u00b0 in the unloaded knee.26 In isolation, this pattern of motion suggests that non-weight-bearing knee flexion would be safe to 110\u00b0 for medial meniscal repairs and to 60\u00b0 for lateral meniscal repairs. However, this finding has not been validated clinically.<\/p>\n

    Early weight-bearing might enhance the mechanical environment promoting healing and allowing earlier functional recovery and return to sport.22 It has been shown that early weight-bearing as tolerated and limited ROM resulted in acceptable outcomes (ie, Lysholm score of 71.5) at 17 month follow-up.<\/p>\n

    There is no clinical evidence that limiting weight-bearing and\/or knee flexion improves healing rates. Long-term outcome studies are lacking.<\/p>\n

    Accelerated rehabilitation protocols<\/strong><\/p>\n

    They were randomised by rehabilitation regimens. The \u2018free\u2019 group was allowed to range the knee 0\u00b0\u201390\u00b0 immediately while maintaining the knee in touch-down weight-bearing for 2 weeks, and weight-bearing as tolerated thereafter. They were allowed to return to contact sports at 4 months. The \u2018restricted\u2019 group wore a hinged brace for 6 weeks and gradually increased their ROM to 90\u00b0. They were touch-down weight-bearing for 6 weeks, followed by eventual return to sport at 6 months. The authors found no difference in the healing rate. There was no difference in functional outcome scores at 2 years. From this experience, the authors concluded that free rehabilitation was safe without a higher failure rate.<\/p>\n

    Kocabey et al reported excellent results using rehabilitation guidelines specific to the tear\u2019s characteristics. For anterior-posterior longitudinal tears less than 3 cm, they promoted weight-bearing as tolerated without a brace. ROM progressed to 125\u00b0 between 3 and 6 weeks. For tears greater than 3 cm, weight-bearing was allowed in a locked brace. ROM was limited to 0\u00b0\u2013125\u00b0 until 6 or 8 weeks. Return to sport was allowed after 3 months. For complex and radial tears, patients were required to wear a brace in which they were weight-bearing as tolerated ranging from 0\u00b0 to 125\u00b0 for 6 to 8 weeks. They returned to sport between 4 and 5 months.<\/p>\n

    O\u2019Shea and Shelbourne published favourable results after unrestricted ROM with weight-bearing as tolerated beginning 3 days after surgery. Similarly, Bryant et al48 allowed weight-bearing to tolerance with the knee locked in extension for 3 weeks, then WBAT with unlimited ROM thereafter. The impact of weight-bearing combined with twisting or pivoting movements on the repaired meniscus has not been adequately investigated. Furthermore, rehabilitation protocols with respect to meniscal repair with or without augmentation have not been evaluated.<\/p>\n

    \"ImageConclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Meniscal repair is an important procedure that aims to preserve tissue and prevent future arthrosis. While treatment may alleviate symptoms and allow for a timely return to activity, there is a lack of consensus regarding the optimal postoperative rehabilitation protocol. Moreover, there is scarce evidence supporting many current practices. Biomechanical evidence suggests that high degrees of knee flexion may be safe, but these data are limited to a few cadaveric studies. The impact of rotation and torsion forces has not been determined, but have implications for the return to sport and work. It is unclear whether larger joint forces associated with running or jumping threaten the meniscal repair. An accelerated rehabilitation protocol may be safely implemented for appropriate patients, but it is unclear how the type of meniscal tear and the repair technique should affect the postoperative programme.<\/p>\n

    Additional biomechanical studies are needed to better clarify the interplay between tear type, repair method, knee loading, knee positioning and torsional forces. Clinical studies investigating these specific elements will help to optimise patient outcomes.<\/p>\n

    \"Image<\/p>\n

    \n
    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Rehabilitation following meniscal repair: a systematic\u00a0review To cite: Spang\u00a0III\u00a0RC, Nasr\u00a0MC, Mohamadi\u00a0A, et\u00a0al. Rehabilitation following meniscal repair: a systematic review. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine 2018;4:e000212. doi:10.1136\/ bmjsem-2016-000212 Introduction The menisci reduce stress by increasing the contact area between the femur and tibia. They buffer against axial, rotational and shearing forces about the knee during motion. Historically, the gold standard for meniscal repair has been the inside-out technique. Several factors may influence meniscal healing. The most important may be the meniscal blood supply. The timing and type of meniscal tear may also impact healing. Acute, traumatic tears tend to have higher healing rates than chronic, atraumatic tears Longitudinal tears are more amenable to repair due to their vertical orientation (figure 2B), whereas radial tears extending to the central relatively avascular \u2018white-white\u2019 zone are more challenging. Age is another topic for consideration. Biomechanical factors, postoperative range of motion (ROM) and weight-bearing status can impact meniscal healing after repair. The interplay between tear type and knee biomechanics can help define the most appropriate postoperative plan. Restricting a patient\u2019s postoperative ROM intends to limit the risk of re-tear. Cadaveric studies have shown that femorotibial contact pressures increase with knee flexion.20 If the ROM is restricted, the meniscal repair may be protected from increased mechanical stress.21 However, Richards et al. investigated the effects of compressive loads in porcine longitudinal lateral meniscus repairs and found that weight-bearing reduced the meniscus and stabilised the repair. The highest compressive force occurred at full extension and the lowest was at 90\u00b0 of flexion. Beyond 100\u00b0 of flexion, it increased steadily (figure 3). Postoperative rehabilitation aims to foster healing after meniscal repair and facilitate the patient\u2019s return to full function. Generally, these programmes are initially focused on protecting the repair while regaining ROM and gradually introducing progressive strengthening en route to a return to preinjury activity level. Flow chart Results Seventeen clinical studies including 798 patients were reviewed in this systematic review. A restricted rehabilitation protocol was used for 438 patients. An accelerated protocol with immediate weightbearing at tolerance was used in 360 patients. Three studies compared restricted and accelerated protocol, which did not show any significant difference in complication rate or functional assessment (table 2). Although a meta-analysis was not possible, it seems accelerated rehabilitation protocols are not associated with higher failure rates following meniscal repair. Discussion An MRI study of weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing knees found that the relative tibiofemoral movements of the loaded knee were similar to those in the unloaded knee. However, the medial femoral condyle moves approximately 4 mm anterior when the knee bends from full extension to 10\u00b0 of flexion while bearing weight. In the unloaded knee, the position of the medial femoral condyle did not change from extension to flexion. Laterally, the femoral condyle rolls forward 13 mm from 110\u00b0 to 60\u00b0 of flexion and 1 mm from 60\u00b0 to 0\u00b0 in the unloaded knee.26 In isolation, this pattern of motion suggests that non-weight-bearing knee flexion would be safe to 110\u00b0 for medial meniscal repairs and to 60\u00b0 for lateral meniscal repairs. However, this finding has not been validated clinically. Early weight-bearing might enhance the mechanical environment promoting healing and allowing earlier functional recovery and return to sport.22 It has been shown that early weight-bearing as tolerated and limited ROM resulted in acceptable outcomes (ie, Lysholm score of 71.5) at 17 month follow-up. There is no clinical evidence that limiting weight-bearing and\/or knee flexion improves healing rates. Long-term outcome studies are lacking. Accelerated rehabilitation protocols They were randomised by rehabilitation regimens. The \u2018free\u2019 group was allowed to range the knee 0\u00b0\u201390\u00b0 immediately while maintaining the knee in touch-down weight-bearing for 2 weeks, and weight-bearing as tolerated thereafter. They were allowed to return to contact sports at 4 months. The \u2018restricted\u2019 group wore a hinged brace for 6 weeks and gradually increased their ROM to 90\u00b0. They were touch-down weight-bearing for 6 weeks, followed by eventual return to sport at 6 months. The authors found no difference in the healing rate. There was no difference in functional outcome scores at 2 years. From this experience, the authors concluded that free rehabilitation was safe without a higher failure rate. Kocabey et al reported excellent results using rehabilitation guidelines specific to the tear\u2019s characteristics. For anterior-posterior longitudinal tears less than 3 cm, they promoted weight-bearing as tolerated without a brace. ROM progressed to 125\u00b0 between 3 and 6 weeks. For tears greater than 3 cm, weight-bearing was allowed in a locked brace. ROM was limited to 0\u00b0\u2013125\u00b0 until 6 or 8 weeks. Return to sport was allowed after 3 months. For complex and radial tears, patients were required to wear a brace in which they were weight-bearing as tolerated ranging from 0\u00b0 to 125\u00b0 for 6 to 8 weeks. They returned to sport between 4 and 5 months. O\u2019Shea and Shelbourne published favourable results after unrestricted ROM with weight-bearing as tolerated beginning 3 days after surgery. Similarly, Bryant et al48 allowed weight-bearing to tolerance with the knee locked in extension for 3 weeks, then WBAT with unlimited ROM thereafter. The impact of weight-bearing combined with twisting or pivoting movements on the repaired meniscus has not been adequately investigated. Furthermore, rehabilitation protocols with respect to meniscal repair with or without augmentation have not been evaluated. Conclusion Meniscal repair is an important procedure that aims to preserve tissue and prevent future arthrosis. While treatment may alleviate symptoms and allow for a timely return to activity, there is a lack of consensus regarding the optimal postoperative rehabilitation protocol. Moreover, there is scarce evidence supporting many current practices. Biomechanical evidence suggests that high degrees of knee flexion may be safe, but these data are limited to a few cadaveric studies. The impact of rotation and torsion forces has not been determined, but have implications for the return to sport and work. It is unclear whether larger joint forces associated with running or jumping threaten the meniscal repair. An accelerated rehabilitation protocol may be safely implemented for appropriate patients, but<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2501,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"postBodyCss":"","postBodyMargin":[],"postBodyPadding":[],"postBodyBackground":{"backgroundType":"classic","gradient":""},"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_wpcom_ai_launchpad_first_post":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[382,394],"tags":[37,330],"class_list":["post-2499","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-knee","category-meniscus","tag-knee","tag-meniscus"],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":7}},"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t