Impact of Internet+ Rehabilitation on Arthroscopic Treatment Outcomes for Knee Meniscal Injuries and Factors Influencing Knee Osteoarthritis.

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Internet+ rehabilitation in arthroscopic treatment for knee meniscal injuries and its influence on knee osteoarthritis (KOA) factors. A cohort of 120 patients with meniscal injuries undergoing arthroscopic treatment in the Orthopedics Department between January 2021 and December 2022 was randomly assigned to either a control group or a study group using a randomization table. The control group underwent self-rehabilitation at home, while the study group received Internet-enhanced rehabilitation. Patient compliance with rehabilitation exercises, knee joint functionality, and long-term KOA outcomes were compared between the groups. KOA status was evaluated using the Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grading system, categorizing grades 0 to 2 as KOA negative and grades 3 to 5 as KOA positive, to investigate factors impacting KOA. The study group demonstrated significantly higher compliance rates and Lysholm scores compared with the control group. K-L grades were notably lower in the study group, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were significantly reduced in the study group as well. The KOA-positive subgroup exhibited significantly older age and longer preoperative durations than the KOA-negative subgroup, with a notably higher proportion of Internet+ rehabilitation intervention in the study group than in the control group. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis identified advanced age and prolonged preoperative duration as risk factors for KOA, while Internet-enhanced rehabilitation intervention emerged as a protective factor against KOA. The integration of Internet+ rehabilitation in arthroscopic treatment for knee meniscal injuries substantially enhances treatment compliance and improves joint functionality. During a 12-month follow-up, internet-enhanced rehabilitation was associated with a lower occurrence and severity of KOA. Furthermore, advanced age and an extended preoperative duration represented independent risk factors for KOA, while Internet+ rehabilitation was independently associated with a reduced odds of KOA in multivariate analysis.