Neuromuscular function during a forward lunge in meniscectomized patients

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Biomechanics
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Meniscectomy, a common surgical procedure, can lead to long-term knee joint issues.
• Understanding neuromuscular adaptations post-meniscectomy is crucial for predicting and preventing knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate differences in knee kinematics, kinetics, and neuromuscular activity during a forward lunge between operated and contralateral legs in meniscectomized patients.
• To identify if these differences represent early neuromuscular changes associated with knee OA development.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-two unilaterally meniscectomized patients performed a forward lunge.
• Synchronous goniometry, force plate, and EMG recordings (vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, biceps femoris, semitendinosus) were used.
• Operated and contralateral legs were analyzed for kinematic, kinetic, and neuromuscular parameters.

Main Results:

• The operated leg exhibited increased muscle coactivation, reduced range of motion, and higher loading rates during impact compared to the contralateral leg.
• Distinct patterns of medial versus lateral neuromuscular activity were observed between the operated and contralateral legs.
• Minor differences in neuromuscular activity were noted during other phases of the forward lunge.

Conclusions:

• Meniscectomized patients display significant modulations in knee kinetics, kinematics, and neuromuscular activity, supporting the hypothesis of early neuromuscular changes preceding knee OA.
• The forward lunge test is a sensitive tool for detecting leg-to-leg neuromuscular function differences after meniscectomy.