Abstract
A patient with non-displaced medial and lateral meniscus tears in his right knee was seen for 12 sessions over 6 weeks for outpatient physical therapy treatment performed by a student physical therapist under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The patient was evaluated at the initial encounter with goniometry, manual muscle testing, the meniscal pathology composite score, and the lower extremity functional scale and a plan of care was established to address impaired active range of motion, weakness in right lower extremity musculature, limitations in activities of daily living, functional mobility, work performance, and restrictions in work as a concrete specialist. The main goal for the patient was to return to work at prior level of function. Main interventions used were inflammation reduction and a combination of task-specific, general strengthening, and range of motion based therapeutic exercise. The patient achieved the following goals: reduction of resting pain to 0/10 on NPRS, reduction of edema at right patella, ability to ascend/descend stairs without handrail assistance, ability to climb from recessed spaces at 70% of prior level of function, ability to walk on uneven surfaces at 70% of prior level of function and participate in work as a concrete specialist at 70% of prior level of function. The patient was discharged to home without durable medical equipment or home modification.