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Study shows diminished strength performance in meniscal torn knees
Half of patients with symptomatic degenerative meniscal tears had impairments in quadriceps strength and lower extremity performance, according to this study.
Norwegian researchers tested patients with symptomatic degenerative meniscal tears for knee strength and lower extremity performance. The mean patient age was 49 years and 35% of the patients were female. Patients completed the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire.
The researchers found KOOS scores 13 points to 36 points lower than a population-based reference group and the same as patients before ACL reconstruction. Quadriceps strength was 13% lower and lower extremity performance 8% to 13% lower in the injured leg. Limb symmetry index values were between 41% and 52% lower for quadriceps muscle strength and lower extremity performance in the injured leg.