Meniscus Lesion, Surveys and Questionnaires
Conditions
Brief summary
In this study the investigators examined the ability of orthopaedic surgeons to predict the outcome of surgery and non-operative treatment in patients (age 45 to 70) with a non-obstructive meniscal tear.
Detailed description
The additional benefits of Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy (APM) in middle aged patients with a non-obstructive meniscal tear are under scrutiny for years. Despite the most recent publications recommending to apply non-operative treatment (exercise therapy, injections, drugs) instead of APM in this patient group, the expected decrease in number of operations is slower then expected. Orthopaedic surgeons therefore seem unconvinced by the evidence to change practice. For this reason the investigators conducted an international survey amongst orthopaedic surgeons in which the investigators aimed to (1) determine the ability of orthopaedic surgeons to predict the outcomes of APM and physical therapy (PT) in middle aged patients with a non-obstructive meniscal tear, and (2) to determine which patient factors direct surgeons towards APM and towards PT.
Interventions
OTHERSurvey
Survey amongst orthopaedic surgeons
Sponsors
University of New South Wales
Mayo Clinic
Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis
Study design
Observational model
OTHER
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
45 Years to 70 Years
Inclusion criteria
In this survey the investigators invited orthopaedic surgeons and residents from both the Netherlands and Australia to complete a meniscus survey, including a random sample of patients from the Escape trial. The in-/
Exclusion criteria
are listed below. Inclusion Criteria: * Patients between 45 and 70 years of age at presentation. * A meniscal tear visualized on MRI. The meniscal tear can either be isolated or combined with a partial asymptomatic Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury or an asymptomatic degenerative ACL shown on MRI with no abnormal clinical findings (a negative Lachman test and Pivot Shift). * Mental Competence. * Willingness to comply with follow up schedule. * Written informed consent.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The ability of orthopaedics surgeons to predict the outcome of treatment | 2 years | In this survey, participants are provided with 20 cases and asked for their treatment of choice (APM or physical therapy). Subsequently, participants are asked for the expected outcome, which is change in knee function on the International Knee Documentation Committee 'Subjective Knee Form' (IKDC). These data are used to assess to what extend orthopaedic surgeons are capable of predicting the outcome of surgical and non-operative treatment of meniscal tears in a random sample of patients from the Escape trial. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| To assess which patient specific factors are found important by orthopaedic surgeons in choosing their treatment of first choice | 2 years | In this survey, participants are asked to choose from a list of patient specific factors, which of these direct their treatment choice toward APM, and which towards non-operative treatment. These data are used to examine which patient specific factors are directing orthopaedic surgeons towards APM and towards PT. These factors will help future research focusing in creating patient specific profiles. |
Countries
Netherlands
Outcome results
None listed