Assessment Of Pain, Balance, Functional Performance, And Quality Of Life In Patients With Meniscus Lesions: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to compare pain, balance, functional performance, and quality of life between individuals with meniscal injury and healthy controls. To evaluate the differences in pain, balance, functional performance, and quality of life between individuals with meniscal injury and healthy controls. Materials and Methods: Seventy participants were enrolled, including 35 patients with MRI-confirmed meniscal injury and 35 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Pain was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), balance and mobility with the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), functional performance with the Five Times Sit to Stand Test (5TSTS), and quality of life with the Western Ontario Meniscal Evaluation Tool (WOMET). Muscle strength and range of motion (ROM) were also assessed. Results: Compared with healthy controls, individuals with meniscal injury reported higher pain levels and demonstrated poorer functional performance and quality of life (p<0.05). The meniscal tear group reported higher pain levels (p<0.001) and demonstrated worse functional mobility (longer TUG and 5TSTS times) and quality of life (higher WOMET scores, p<0.05). A significant correlation was found between VAS and WOMET outcomes in the meniscal tear group (p<0.05) and between VAS and both WOMET and BBS outcomes in the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study emphasizes the need for rehabilitation strategies addressing both physical recovery and quality of life for individuals with meniscal injuries. Future research should explore targeted pain management and rehabilitation programs to improve patient well-being.