EFFECT OF PHYSIOTHERAPY REHABILITATION EXERCISES ON PATIENT WITH ACL MUCOID DEGENERATION WITH MEDIAL MENISCUS BUCKET HANDLE TEAR: A CASE STUDY

Background: A case of ACL mucoid degeneration with medial meniscus bucket handle tear is presented, who had limited ROM both in active and passive ranges. MRI to rule out medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear, meniscal tear, bone contusions and microfractures, chondral Injury, tibial plateau fractures, posterolateral corner injury or popliteal cyst. Physical assessment tests confirmed the diagnosis. He was successfully treated with combined Physical therapy treatment including cryotherapy, Continuous passive motion (CPM) or muscle energy technique (MET) along with therapeutic exercise and soft tissue mobilization. At 2-, 3- and 4-weeks during treatment, all the ranges remarkably improved. Methodology: A literature search of PubMed, google scholar and research gate was conducted for studies evaluating effect of physiotherapy rehabilitation exercises on patient with ACL mucoid degeneration with medial meniscus bucket handle tear.Result: Isometric of Hamstring and Quadriceps, Cryotherapy of knee joint, Ankle Toe pump, SLR, Ankle heel slide, VMO strengthening, Muscle energy technique and Continuous Passive motion (CPM), mobility was done on the patient as treatment protocol. It seemed benefited for the post operative patient of medial meniscus tear of grade 3 with ACL tear of grade 1. It has been shown that pain reduced after applying cryotherapy. Range of motion and strength got increase with all the exercises. Following this protocol, patient showed positive outcome, including improvements in self-reported knee function, strength, range of motion, and overall performance. Conclusion: Combination of physical therapy such as range of motion exercise, mobilization along with home exercise has a positive impact on meniscus rehabilitation. It can increase the range of motion and reduces the pain with increase in muscle strength. This study concluded that the rehabilitation protocol of our patient is effective for improvement in muscle strength and increasing the range of motion, and help patient to return to normal activity of daily life (ADL). Keywords: Anterior cruciate ligament, medial meniscus, Bucket handle tear, therapeutic exercise, soft tissue mobilization