Common Surgery Leaves Knee Weaker

Removal of meniscus impairs strength of quadriceps muscle, study finds

THURSDAY, Nov. 30, 2006 (HealthDay News) -- People who undergo meniscectomy -- surgical removal of all or part of the meniscus in the knee -- have long-term reduced knee function after the surgery due to decreased quadriceps strength, Swedish researchers report.

As reported in the December issue of the journal Arthritis Care & Research, the study included 45 patients, ages 38 to 50, who had surgery due to meniscus tears between one and six years before the study. The patients were tested for muscle strength and functional performance and filled out a questionnaire about knee pain and daily function.

Researchers at Malmo University Hospital and Lund University found that in these patients, the leg that had a meniscectomy had lower muscle strength and functional performance than the leg that did not have surgery.

"In the present study, the association between the quadriceps strength deficits and self-reported symptoms and function suggests a close relationship between muscle strength and functional limitations in middle-aged patients who have undergone meniscectomy," the study author wrote.

More information

The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine has more about meniscal tears.

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