Research Summary
Extra Functional Exercise After Meniscus Repair Improved Knee Bending in a 96-Patient Trial
Adding functional exercise training to standard rehab after meniscus repair surgery helped patients bend their knees further six months later. That is the main finding of a randomized trial published in the Journal of Visualized Experiments.
What was studied
The meniscus is a C-shaped cushion of cartilage inside the knee. When it tears, surgeons can sometimes stitch it back together, followed by months of rehabilitation. Researchers in China tested whether adding functional exercise training, meaning exercises built around everyday movements, to conventional rehab would improve recovery.
In this prospective randomized controlled trial, 96 patients who had meniscus repair between April 2023 and September 2024 were split evenly: 48 had conventional rehab and 48 had conventional rehab plus functional exercise training. All 96 completed the 6-month follow-up.
Key findings
- At 6 months, knee range of motion was greater in the functional exercise group, about 134 degrees versus about 128 degrees, an average difference of roughly 7 degrees.
- Knee function scores (IKDC) were higher with functional exercise at 1 and 6 months, and pain scores were lower at both checkups.
- Lysholm knee scores were higher at 1 month but not at 6 months.
- Complication rates did not differ significantly between groups.
What it means for people with knee pain
If you are recovering from meniscus repair, this study supports including functional, movement-based exercises in your rehab, especially for regaining knee bend. Ask your surgeon or physical therapist what is appropriate for your repair and stage of healing.
Limitations
The authors say the strongest evidence is for range of motion and that the other results need cautious interpretation, because many secondary outcomes were tested and the trial was registered after it began. It was a single trial of 96 people with 6 months of follow-up.
Frequently asked questions
- What is functional exercise training?
- It is exercise based on everyday movements and tasks, added in this study on top of conventional rehabilitation after surgery.
- How much did range of motion improve?
- At 6 months, the functional exercise group averaged about 134 degrees of knee motion versus about 128 degrees with conventional rehab alone.
- Was the extra exercise safe?
- Complication rates in the first month after surgery did not differ significantly between the two groups.
Sudden severe pain, swelling, or can't bear weight? Seek medical care promptly. In an emergency call 911.