Abstract
A 72-year-old female patient with a chronic, meniscal pathology of the left knee was seen for physical therapy treatment for 12 sessions over 9 weeks at an outpatient physical therapy clinic under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The patient was evaluated at the initial encounter with manual muscle testing, range of motion, numeric pain rating scale, 6-minute walk test, single leg stance test, lower extremity function scale, knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome scale, and special tests for meniscus and ligamentous integrity, including McMurray’s. A plan of care was established to address left knee range of motion restrictions, inhibited neuromuscular control and strength of hip and knee musculature, abnormal mechanics during a squat and sit to stand, and decreased walking endurance. These limitations resulted in decreased participation in family activities like cooking and going on walks at the park. Main goals for the patient were to decrease bilateral pain in thighs, improve walking endurance, and improve ability to squat during activities of daily living. Primary interventions used were manual therapy for range of motion, therapeutic exercise for strength, progressive weight bearing, and return to activity. The patient achieved the goals of increased range of motion, increased strength in left knee and hip, increased squatting ability, improved lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) and knee osteoarthritis injury and outcome score (KOOS) results, improved walking endurance, and increased tolerance to standing and squatting while cooking. The patient was discharged to continue living independently at home with a home exercise program.