Trial Status: Open
The meniscus is a cartilage based structure within the knee which is susceptible to damage or tears following high energy injury or low energy injury in a knee with signs of arthritis. Treatment for meniscal tears can include either physiotherapy or surgery where the damaged meniscus is removed. Recent high quality studies have shown physiotherapy is as effective as surgery in patients over 55. A potential reason for this is in patients over 55 there may be coexisting arthritis within the knee which is the source of symptoms rather than the meniscal tear. There is a clear need for high quality trial in younger patients aged under 55. Before a trial is commenced it is imperative to understand the trial population better.
The purpose of this study is to identify the symptoms patient present with, the presence of signs of arthritis on imaging and whether these features influence treatment outcome. We also aim to explore patient experiences of living with a meniscal tear.
We aim to perform a multicentre study where will follow up patients under 55 with an isolated meniscal tear to identify the symptoms and imaging findings patients present with. We will then follow up these patients over one year to identify if these symptoms or imaging signs affect treatment success. In addition we will identify the current treatment pathways for patients with a meniscal tear.
20 participants from the main study will be invited to take part in interviews where we aim to identify patient experiences on living with a meniscal tear and views on a future large scale trial.
This study will provide clinicians with a greater understanding of meniscal tears in young patients and help aid treatment decisions.