Role of preoperative physiotherapy in the outcomes of arthroscopic meniscal surgeries

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the role of preoperative physiotherapy in improving postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing arthroscopic meniscal surgery.

Methods: This prospective comparative, parallel-group study was conducted at PAF Hospital Islamabad from January to March 2026. In total 100 individuals diagnosed with a meniscal tear on MRI were randomized into two groups: preoperative physiotherapy (n=50) and standard care (n=50). The subjects in the preoperative physiotherapy group participated in a structured 2-week prehabilitation program before their surgery. Afterwards, all patients underwent arthroscopic meniscal surgical procedures followed by a standardized rehabilitation program after surgery. The primary outcome measure of recovery was the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score at 6 weeks after surgery. The secondary outcome measures included pain (VAS), knee range of motion (ROM), quadriceps strength, and time to return to daily living.

Results: At 6 weeks after surgery, subjects in the preoperative physiotherapy group had significantly higher IKDC scores (79.86 ± 8.72 vs. 71.42 ± 9.14; p=0.001; d=0.94) and lower VAS pain scores (2.08 ± 0.93 vs. 3.16 ± 1.11; p=0.001; d=1.05) compared to standard care. Knee ROM was greater (129.74 ± 7.88 vs. 122.36 ± 9.07; p=0.001), and quadriceps strength improved (4.58 ± 0.50 vs. 4.14 ± 0.61; p=0.001). Patients in the intervention group returned earlier to daily activities (18.72 ± 4.31 vs. 23.48 ± 5.26 days; p=0.001). Repeated-measures ANOVA demonstrated significant group × time interaction for IKDC (F=14.87, p=0.001) and VAS (F=11.42, p=0.001).

Conclusion: Preoperative physiotherapy into routine clinical practice as it improves postoperative functional recovery, decreases pain, and results in a quicker return to daily activities following arthroscopic meniscal surgery.