Medical exercise therapy, and not arthroscopic surgery, resulted in decreased depression and anxiety in patients with degenerative meniscus injury

This report has been verified by one or more authors of the original publication.

17 patients with degenerative tears of the meniscus were randomized to undergo a 3 month medical exercise therapy (MET) program or arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. The purpose was to determine the effect of high-dose, high-repetition MET compared to arthroscopy in improving knee pain and knee-related quality of life. Outcomes were assessed at 3-month follow-up. The results indicated that MET and arthroscopic partial meniscectomy similarly reduced pain and improved knee-related functioning and quality of life. Additionally, depression and anxiety were more significantly reduced in patients who underwent the 3 month MET program.