Balance Evaluation and Gait Analysis After Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Biomechanics
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) is a common surgical procedure for meniscus tears.
• Understanding the functional recovery of walking and balance post-APM is crucial for patient rehabilitation and return to activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the temporal effects of APM on gait and bipedal balance.
• To assess recovery at 4 weeks and 12 weeks post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• Gait and bipedal balance analyses were conducted on 45 patients post-APM and 46 healthy controls.
• Measurements were taken at 4 weeks and 12 weeks after surgery.
• Balance was assessed with eyes open and eyes closed.

Main Results:

• At 4 weeks post-APM, patients exhibited altered gait parameters (e.g., increased stance phase, decreased speed) and impaired balance (eyes open and closed).
• At 12 weeks, gait asymmetry persisted, with some parameters improving but others remaining altered (e.g., increased stance phase, decreased swing phase).
• Eyes-open balance normalized by 12 weeks, but eyes-closed balance showed persistent deficits, including increased medio-lateral sway.

Conclusions:

• Walking function does not fully recover by 12 weeks after APM.
• While open-eye balance recovers, eyes-closed balance deficits persist, suggesting ongoing proprioceptive or sensorimotor impairments.
• These findings highlight the need for targeted rehabilitation to address residual gait and balance deficits after APM.