Clinical progress and quadriceps torque ratios during training of meniscectomy patients

A prospective study of 21 patients after a meniscectomy is presented. During a standardized training program, consisting of static and dynamic exercises five times a week during 8 weeks, the following clinical signs were monitored: pain, swelling and limitation of the range of motion of the knee joint. Furthermore, isometric and isokinetic maximal torque of the knee extensors of both legs was determined in the patient group, as well as in a control group of healthy subjects (n = 11). We found that swelling of the knee joint seems to be the major cause of inhibition of muscle strength, resulting in low torque values in the initial phase of the training program. Mean maximal isometric torque of the operated knee increased from 151 Nm (SD = 50) to 282 Nm (SD = 50). Isokinetic mean maximal torque increased from 77 Nm (SD = 32) to 164 Nm (SD = 28). Isometric and isokinetic mean maximal torque of the nonoperated leg increased 15% and 10%, respectively. In the control group torque output of the knee extensors remained at about the same level. It appeared that the torque differences between both legs are more pronounced in the isokinetic tests than in the isometric tests. At the end of the training program isometric and isokinetic maximal torque of the knee extensors of the operated knee still showed a deficit of 12% and 21%, respectively. Isokinetic testing is more sensitive for small strength differences than isometric testing.