Knee Effusion after Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy: Prospective Study Comparing Preventing Methods

摘要

Background: Knee joint effusion is a common adverse event after arthroscopic procedures and its prevention is crucial to achieve better clinical outcomes, such as pain relief, improved range of movement and global satisfaction. Objective: The aim of this study is to compare joint effusion after partial arthroscopic meniscectomy between a common postoperative management and a short period in deep flexion. Methods: A prospective study randomizes 62 patients who underwent arthroscopic partial meniscectomy into 2 groups of postoperative care: compression elastic bandage with elevation for 24 hours (compression group) versus immediate postoperative deep flexion for 2 hours (flexion group). Clinical evaluation of effusion was made at 24 hours, 7 days and 1-month post-surgery. Results: Overall at 24 hours patients showed 53% absent effusion, 35% minimum, 11% had mild or more severe effusion. Effusion rates in the compression group were 13%, 10% and 0%;in the flexion group 10%, 6.4% and 0%, at 24 hours, 7 days and 1 month, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between them (p > 0.05). Conclusion: In the studied population, position of the knee in deep flexion had similar influence in effusion outcomes than a standard widely used treatment, offering an alternative in the postoperative care of the patients.