CASE REPORT   

Gazzetta Medica Italiana Archivio per le Scienze Mediche 2018 October;177(10):592-7

DOI: 10.23736/S0393-3660.18.03609-4

Copyright © 2018 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Accelerated rehabilitation program for a lateral discoid meniscus of a professional soccer player

Mark S. GODWIN ✉, Lesta J. FOSKETT

School of Sport and Creative Services, University College Birmingham, Birmingham, UK

This study implemented an accelerated rehabilitation program for a professional football player following a partial meniscectomy for a lateral discoid meniscus. The male Caucasian footballer (mean age: 18 years, body mass: 71.2 kg, height: 174.1 cm) attended our clinic 10 weeks post-surgery. An 8-week accelerated rehabilitation program was implemented using a modified Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale as a guide for exercise intensity. Isokinetic strength, thigh girth and health-related quality of life (Knee injury Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS]) were used as outcome measures. Isokinetic strength increased in the injured leg at 60 and 180°/s for the knee extensors (106 to 229 Nm and 98 to 163 Nm, respectively) and flexors (75 to 148 Nm and 71 to 104 Nm, respectively). Thigh girth increased by 3% (51.1 to 52.8 cm) in the injured leg with a minimal increase in the uninjured leg (54.2 to 54.8 cm). KOOS increased in 4 out of 5 outcomes with daily living remaining at 100. Three of the outcomes met the minimal detectable change. This study shows that an accelerated rehabilitation program, using RPE to prescribe exercise intensity, has a positive effect upon strength, hypertrophy and health-related quality of life following a partial meniscectomy. This type of lower limb program could be considered for future rehabilitation programs.

KEY WORDS: Tibial menisci - Rehabilitation - Hypertrophy - Muscle strength