ОЦІНКА ЕФЕКТИВНОСТІ ФІЗИЧНОЇ ТЕРАПІЇ ПІСЛЯ АРТРОСКОПІЧНОЇ МЕНІСКОЕКТОМІЇ У ПІСЛЯГОСТРОМУ РЕАБІЛІТАЦІЙНОМУ ПЕРІОДІ

The frequency of meniscal injuries has been observed to exhibit a systematic tendency towards increasing. This process is caused by high risks of knee joint injuries against the background of degenerative changes that occur under the influence of specific loads. According to the TCRC, a leading research centre in the field of trauma, knee injuries constitute 72% of all lower extremity injuries. The pathologies of the menisci are characterized by the typical symptom complexes such as pain, limitation of mobility and instability of the joint, which potentially result in loss of work capacity. Modern scientific research has enough evidence that arthroscopic meniscectomy can be an effective alternative to its complete or partial resection. This allows you to preserve the morphology and function of the meniscus tissue and reduce the risk of premature development of osteoarthritis. Conversely, arthrotomy surgical treatment directly affects the recovery period during rehabilitation physical therapy intervention. Therefore, the arthroscopic minimally invasive method ensures a rapid restoration of knee joint function. The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of physical therapy following arthroscopic meniscectomy in the post-acute rehabilitation period, in the context of inpatient treatment. The study was based on the examination and inclusion of a patient (the case study) in the physical therapy programme following meniscal arthroscopy. A 29-year-old male patient underwent a partial meniscectomy using the arthroscopic technique on the right knee joint. A course of rehabilitation intervention was developed and carried out under the physical therapy program, which included performing a set of therapeutic exercises aimed at increasing the level of muscle strength of the lower extremities and general mobility of the knee joint. The efficacy of the treatment was assessed using patient questionnaires, somatometry, goniometry, a visual analogue pain scale, and questionnaires using the “International Knee Documentation Committee” and “The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score”. The data obtained were then subjected to mathematical and statistical processing. Following the completion of the course, the patient observed an increase in the positive dynamics of changes in the circumference of the hip and lower leg of the operated limb at 10.2 cm and +12.7 cm, respectively. Goniometric indices also demonstrated a positive trend of changes: active flexion was +44.7°, and passive +55.3°. The patient’s pain syndrome decreased to 48 points after physical therapy. Studies using subjective methods such as surveys on the IKDC and KOOS scales in the patient before and after physical therapy also had a positive increase in results. Conclusions. It has been established that the key difference between effective treatment and physical therapy intervention after injuries of the musculoskeletal system lies in achieving not only clinical recovery, but also full restoration of the functional capabilities of the affected segment. The therapeutic effect has been confirmed due to the restoration of lost motor stereotypes, training of patients in standard sets of exercises aimed at increasing muscle strength and endurance, improving coordination of movements, etc. The effectiveness of the developed algorithm of the physical therapy program following arthroscopic meniscectomy in post-acute rehabilitation is reflected in the examination results and their positive dynamics during the intervention period.