The effect of diagnostic and operative arthroscopy and open meniscectomy on muscle strength in the thigh

Abstract

In this study we measured the effect on the muscle strength in the thigh in connection with diagnostic ar throscopy with central approach, arthroscopy with ar throscopic operation of bucket-handle ruptures, flap tears, total arthroscopic meniscectomy, and open men iscectomy. Thirty-seven patients were tested preoper atively and 1, 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively with a Cybex ll isokinetic dynamometer. The extensor mus cles of the knee joint were most affected. The flexor muscles were generally recovered in all groups within a month. Diagnostic arthroscopy and arthroscopic op erations for bucket-handle ruptures showed no signifi cant effect on the thigh muscle torque. With the other arthroscopic operations there was a 40% decrease of quadriceps function 1 week after operation. After 8 weeks normal function returned. Open meniscectomy had a much more negative effect on the quadriceps muscle with a decrease of about 70% after 1 week. After 8 weeks, the rehabilitation was still not complete.