[Outpatient physiotherapy for patients with knee pain in northern Germany]

Physiotherapy, in comparison to occupational therapy and speech therapy, is the most frequently prescribed treatment in Germany. Nationally there is only scarce information available on indications, treatment approaches and development of health condition throughout therapy. Present work encompasses only small sample sizes and insufficient follow-up periods.

To describe, how patients with knee complaints are treated based on a physiotherapy referral and how their health condition changes during therapy.

A descriptive-exploratory secondary analysis of data from a prospective multicentre observational study was conducted. The Bother index of the Musculoskeletal Function Assessment Questionnaire (German, 16-Item version) and an 11-step box scale on pain intensity were utilised as outcome criteria.

Data of 160 patients, age 47.4 (SD 10.8), 51% female, approximately 51% with previous arthroscopy, were analysed. The response rate 6 months after therapy approximately amounted to 50%. Main therapy approaches were strengthening, stretching and manual therapy, combined with home exercises. Impairment in daily life as well as pain improved substantially during therapy (SES range 0.6-1.75).

The conducted study brought up insights for physiotherapy health service for pa-tients with cartilage or meniscal problems, based on a sample size not accessible for Germany before. After reviewing the international literature it may be assumed, that the clearly active character of the therapy and the combination of different treatment approaches are of relevance for the presented reduction of impairment in daily life.