IMPROVEMENT OF ARTHROSCOPIC DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF TRAUMATIC MENISCAL INJURIES OF THE KNEE JOINT IN THE ACUTE PERIOD
Abstract
Background: Meniscal injuries of the knee joint are among the most common consequences of traumatic injuries in orthopedic practice. Delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment can lead to chronic pain, functional limitations, and degenerative joint changes. Arthroscopy has become the gold standard for both diagnosis and treatment of meniscal injuries due to its minimally invasive nature and high diagnostic accuracy. Objective: To evaluate and improve arthroscopic diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in patients with acute traumatic meniscal injuries of the knee joint. Materials and Methods: A prospective clinical study included 72 patients with acute traumatic meniscal tears treated at the Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics. All patients underwent clinical examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and arthroscopic intervention. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Lysholm Knee Score and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Results: Arthroscopy demonstrated a diagnostic accuracy of 98%, compared to 91% for MRI and 78% for clinical examination. The average Lysholm score improved from 54.2 ± 6.3 preoperatively to 93.8 ± 4.5 at 12 months postoperatively. Pain intensity decreased significantly from 7.4 ± 1.1 to 1.6 ± 0.7 according to VAS assessment (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Early arthroscopic diagnosis and treatment significantly improve clinical outcomes in patients with traumatic meniscal injuries. Meniscal preservation techniques provide superior long-term functional results and contribute to the prevention of degenerative joint changes.