Contralateral electromyostimulation in rehabilitation after meniscal surgery of knee joint

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic knee surgery remains the main priority of treatment for meniscal injuries. However, clinical outcomes depend not only on surgical technique but also on comprehensive postoperative rehabilitation. Despite efforts to improve early postoperative rehabilitation programs, most studies remain focused on the operated knee, with limited data on the effectiveness of contralateral training. Electromyostimulation of the contralateral limb presents a promising method of neuromuscular training in cases where the operated leg is immobilized or shows reduced activity. This approach is crucial for maintaining muscle tone, preventing muscle atrophy, reducing the risk of complications, and improving quality of life.

AIM: The work aimed to analyze the effectiveness of rehabilitation in patients after surgical treatment of meniscal injury by incorporating contralateral quadriceps electromyostimulation into the rehabilitation program.

METHODS: 60 patients who underwent surgery of meniscal injury were examined and treated. They were divided into two groups matched by age, sex, and primary clinical characteristics. All patients received standard therapy, including symptomatic pharmacotherapy and physical rehabilitation based on conventional protocols. In addition to standard care, the main group received quadriceps electromyostimulation of the non-operated leg during the preoperative and immobilization periods.

RESULTS: It was found that, by the time immobilization was discontinued, patients in the main group, unlike those in the control group, demonstrated a significant increase in the range of motion of the operated knee joint, increased muscle strength, and a statistically significant reduction in pain during movement, as measured by the VAS. These findings suggest that the inclusion of contralateral lower-limb electromyostimulation in the treatment protocol facilitates earlier recovery of impaired knee joint function.

CONCLUSION: Incorporating contralateral limb electromyostimulation into preoperative and early postoperative rehabilitation protocols significantly improves clinical and functional outcomes by accelerating the recovery of knee joint mobility, reducing pain, and enhancing patients’ quality of life.