Factors Influencing Return to Sports After Arthroscopic Meniscectomy

We wanted to share a comprehensive new study conducted at the Sports Injury Centre of VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, that offers valuable insights into the recovery process of athletes undergoing arthroscopic meniscectomy, a common orthopedic procedure for meniscus tears.

Because these studies can be rather long, we've summarized it for you. But please follow the link to see all the figures, tables, and more! 

The study, spanning from 2018 to 2021, aimed to investigate the timeframe and influencing factors for returning to sports post-surgery.

Study Overview

This prospective cohort study involved 90 athletic patients, all of whom had undergone arthroscopic meniscectomy.

The research focused on understanding the duration and variables influencing athletes' ability to return to their pre-injury sports activity levels.

The study's findings are crucial for athletes, coaches, and medical professionals, providing a deeper understanding of the recovery journey after meniscus surgery.

Key Findings

• Return to Previous Activity Levels: Of the 90 participants, 75 successfully returned to their prior sports activity levels, while 15 did not.
• Influential Factors: The study highlighted three significant factors affecting the return to sports: age over 25 years, participation in non-contact sports, and engagement in recreational activities.
• Age Impact: Athletes older than 25 experienced longer recovery times. Younger athletes (below 25) showed a higher rate (96%) of returning to their previous activity levels compared to those aged 25-35 years (60%) and over 35 years (66%).
• Type of Sports: Athletes involved in non-contact sports faced more extended recovery periods than those in combat or contact sports.
• Activity Level Pre-Injury: Athletes engaged in recreational activities prior to injury took longer to return to sports compared to those at elite or competitive levels.

Methodology

Participants were selected based on specific criteria, excluding those with additional knee ligament injuries or previous knee surgeries.

The study methodically recorded data before, during, and after the surgical procedure, followed by a standardized rehabilitation protocol.

Comparative Analysis

This research complements previous studies, confirming age as a significant factor while offering new insights into the influence of sports type and activity level. It contrasts with some studies, where factors like gender, cartilage damage, and the nature of the meniscal tear were less predictive of the return to sports.

Limitations and Recommendations

The study acknowledges limitations, such as not considering psychological factors and focusing mainly on recreational athletes. These aspects offer avenues for future research to enhance the understanding of recovery processes.

Conclusion

This study underlines the multifactorial nature of returning to sports following arthroscopic meniscectomy, emphasizing that recovery is not solely dependent on the surgical procedure but is also influenced by the athlete's age, type of sports, and pre-injury activity level. The findings are instrumental in aiding healthcare professionals to develop more personalized rehabilitation plans, thereby helping athletes return to their sports more effectively.

Read the full study here with tables and detailed data!