Faculty Advisor(s)
G. Noel Squires
Document Type
Course Paper
Publication Date
12-2-2014
Rights
© 2014 Miranda Carlson
Abstract
Background and Purpose: A partial meniscectomy consists of removing some meniscus from the knee. Pain management is utilized which may include Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and cryotherapy. TENS has been shown to be more effective than pain medication and aid in faster regains of strength and range. Cryotherapy has been shown to have a significant effect on the level of pain and amount of pain medication consumption. The purpose of this case report is to describe the patient management and outcomes of a patient status-post partial medial meniscectomy treated with TENS and cryotherapy for pain management. Case Description: The patient was a female status post partial medial meniscectomy who suffered a medial meniscal tear from a fall. Patient had 13 physical therapy sessions over four weeks. Therapy included cryotherapy and TENS to address pain followed by functional strengthening. Outcome measures: APTA OPTIMAL, KOOS Knee survey, Lower Extremity Functional Scale, Patient-Specific Functional Scale, and Timed 10-Meter Walk Test. Outcomes: The patient reported 0/10 pain after two weeks of interventions. The patient’s Lower Extremity Functional Scale improved from 22 to 73 and Patient Specific Functional Scale improved from 4 to 30. The KOOS, APTA OPTIMAL, and gait speed improved from impaired scores to unimpaired scores. At discharge, the patient had improved knee strength and range and decreased girth measurements. Discussion: The patient made excellent progress during the 13 physical therapy treatment session and was satisfied to reach her goals of having no pain and being able to return to work at regular duty without any issues. Further research should be concluded to see the effects of multiple modalities for pain relief on other populations.
Recommended Citation
Carlson, Miranda, "The Use Of Electrical Stimulation And Cryotherapy In Pain Reduction For A Patient Following An Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy: A Case Report" (2014). Case Report Papers. 7.
https://dune.une.edu/pt_studcrpaper/7
Comments
The case report poster for this paper can be found here: http://dune.une.edu/pt_studcrposter/10.