A structured, independent exercise regimen can reduce the need for therapy

Below is a news summary of an orthopaedic research study appearing in the March 21, 2012 issue of the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS), as well as the issues' full Table of Contents. A Structured, Independent Exercise Regimen Can Reduce the Need for Therapy Following Meniscus Surgery

The treatment of meniscus tears in injured workers is associated with less favorable outcomes and higher utilization of clinical services. "Disability, Impairment, and Physical Therapy Utilization in Workers' Compensation Patients after Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy," is a study appearing in the March 21, 2012 issue of the JBJS, which investigates the effects of a recommended, self-regulated exercise program on the number of physical therapy visits and patient outcomes.

• The study reviewed the success of 164 primary arthroscopic meniscectomies (the surgical procedure to remove torn areas of the two, wedge-shaped pieces of cartilage that acts as shock absorbers in the knee joint) on 155 injured workers. The patients in a "control group" receiving traditional supervised physical therapy , were compared to a separate "study group" that received a written referral specifying the exact number of approved physical therapy visits, a kit containing equipment with a booklet illustrating 25 exercises, and the prescribed rehabilitation protocol outlining the philosophy, expected subjective and functional outcomes, and specific weekly goals.
• One year following surgery, there was a 40 percent reduction in the median number of physical therapy visits in the study group, compared to the control group. There was no difference between the two groups in the time before workers were released to light duty, full duty, or claim closure; and no difference in impairment or complication rates.
• The author of the study believes that the results support the implementation of a structured, independent exercise protocol as a way to reduce physical therapy costs without negatively affecting strength, knee motion, or disability rates in workers' compensation patients undergoing arthroscopic meniscectomy.

March 21, 2012 JBJS Full Table of Contents

Randomized Clinical Trial of Rotating Platform and Fixed Bearing Total Knee Arthroplasty: No Clinically Detectable Differences at Five Years
Efficacy of Surgical Preparation Solutions in Lumbar Spine Surgery
Short-Term Complications of the Laterjet Procedure
Comparative Effect of Orthosis Design on Functional Performance
Revision Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using a Modified Tibial-Inlay Double-Bundle Technique
Outcome of Lower-Limb Preservation with an Expandable Endoprosthesis After Bone Tumor Resection in Children
Outcomes Following Distal Humeral Fracture Fixation with an Extensor Mechanism-on Approach

The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery has been the most valued source of information for orthopaedic surgeons and researchers for over 100 years and is the gold standard in peer-reviewed scientific information in the field. JBJS is published twice a month online and in print. Abstracts are available online at (http://www.jbjs.org). Contact Michelle Hache for general information on JBJS at mhache@jbjs.org