Measurements of the quadriceps femoris function after meniscus refixation at the stable athlete's knee.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to monitor the muscular changes regarding the isokinetic strength and torque pattern of the quadriceps femoris at the stable athlete's knee after meniscus tear refixation.
Materials and Methods: Therefore 15 athletes (10 male, 5 female) performing recreational or competitional sports at least five times a week before injury were retrospectively examined in the average 2.5 years after isolated arthroscopic meniscus refixation using Inside Out technique. Next to function and sport activity focused scores the isokinetic peak torque (PT) and in the EMG have been analyzed compared to the uninjured knee.
Results: The mean age was 31.26 years. The time between injury and surgery was in the average 13.7 days. According to our first results the data suggest a complete recovery of functional and muscular pattern after meniscus refixation at the stable athlete's knee. No significant EMG changes for quadriceps femoris were detectable. The PT was fully recovered. The functional and sport activity score analysis (Lysholm and Tegner score) showed no changes in the postoperative long-term follow up compared to the preinjured status.
Conclusion: Examining isokinetic PT and the EMG of the quadriceps femoris, these data show no side-to-side differences. Regarding the function and sports activity score system, the functionally high demand patients seem to profit by this procedure.