Comparing Knee Cartilage Surgery Versus Standard Physical Therapy in Treating People With a Meniscal Tear and Osteoarthritis

Sponsor
Brigham and Women's Hospital (Other)
Overall Status
Active, not recruiting
CT.gov ID
NCT00597012
Collaborator
(none)
351
7
2
207
50.1
0.2

Study Details

Study Description

Brief Summary

There are two cartilage structures, called menisci, in each knee joint. A torn meniscus can be caused by a traumatic injury or aging-related degeneration. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a type of arthritis that is caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of another type of cartilage that covers the end of bones within a joint. In people who have knee OA, a meniscal tear can easily lead to disability. This study will compare the effectiveness of two recommended treatments, surgery and physical therapy, for people with a torn meniscus and knee OA.

Condition or Disease Intervention/Treatment Phase
  • Procedure: Arthroscopic partial menisectomy
  • Other: Standard physical therapy
  • Other: Postoperative rehabilitative physical therapy
N/A

Detailed Description

OA is the most common form of arthritis in the United States. Symptoms of knee OA include pain in and around the knee that typically worsens with weight-bearing activities, morning stiffness, and tenderness. A person with OA who experiences a torn meniscus--a cartilage structure within the knee that provides stability and proper weight distribution--is especially at risk for disability. Past studies have shown that arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM), a type of knee surgery, usually relieves symptoms and improves function in people suffering from a meniscal tear. However, the success of APM is more variable among people with already existing OA. Clinicians are also uncertain about the short- and long-term benefits, drawbacks, and indications for APM in people with OA and meniscal tears. The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of two treatments, APM surgery and standard physical therapy, for people with OA and a torn meniscus.

This study will last 12 years. At the initial study visit, participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups.

  • Group 1 participants will undergo APM surgery at a time that is convenient for the participant and surgeon. After surgery, participants will be referred for rehabilitative physical therapy to regain strength and flexibility of the knee. For participants who choose to do physical therapy, the duration of treatment will depend on individual progress.

  • Group 2 participants will receive standard physical therapy to increase strength and flexibility of the knee. This will include one to three weekly exercise sessions over an 8-week period.

The study consists of up to 5 visits to the center:
  • Visit 1, the enrollment visit: sign the consent form, fill out a questionnaire, have a physical examination of the knee and find out your treatment group (surgery or physical therapy

  • Visit 2, at 3 months after enrollment: Fill out a questionnaire and have a physical examination of the knee

  • Visit 3, at 18 months: Fill out a questionnaire, have an MRI of the knee (if eligible) and xrays of both knees

  • Visit 4, at 5 years: Fill out a questionnaire, have an MRI of the knee (if eligible) and xrays of both knees

  • Visit 5, at 12 years: Fill out a questionnaire, have a physical examination of the knee, have an MRI of the knee (if eligible) and xrays of both knees

Telephone calls: During the first 3 months of the study, all participants will receive check-up phone calls every 2 weeks, followed by quarterly phone calls for the initial 2 years in the study

Questionnaires: Participants will also complete mailed questionnaires at 6 months, and 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, and 12 years after enrollment. The questionnaires will include questions about knee pain, ability to walk, recreational activities, general health, and satisfaction with with treatment.

Study Design

Study Type:
Interventional
Actual Enrollment :
351 participants
Allocation:
Randomized
Intervention Model:
Parallel Assignment
Masking:
None (Open Label)
Primary Purpose:
Treatment
Official Title:
Partial Meniscectomy Versus Nonoperative Management in Meniscal Tear With OA: A Randomized Controlled Trial (MeTeOR)
Study Start Date :
May 1, 2008
Actual Primary Completion Date :
Feb 1, 2012
Anticipated Study Completion Date :
Aug 1, 2025

Arms and Interventions

Arm Intervention/Treatment
Experimental: Surgical

Participants will undergo arthroscopic partial menisectomy (APM) surgery and offered postoperative rehabilitative physical therapy.

Procedure: Arthroscopic partial menisectomy
Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy is a surgical procedure that is performed to remove a piece of torn cartilage in the knee joint. Incisions for arthroscopy are quite small, usually about 1 centimeter each. The torn meniscus can be removed using a number of different instruments, including small shavers and scissors.

Other: Postoperative rehabilitative physical therapy
This physical therapy is geared specifically toward rehabilitation after APM surgery.

Active Comparator: Nonoperative

Participants will undergo standard physical therapy that will include strengthening and stretching sessions one to three times a week for 8 weeks.

Other: Standard physical therapy
Participants will undergo standard physical therapy that will include strengthening and stretching sessions one to three times a week for 8 weeks. This physical therapy regimen will have similar elements and goals as the postoperative intervention offered to Group 1 participants.

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

  1. WOMAC Functional Status - Difference From Baseline [Baseline and 6 months]

    Scores on the physical-function subscale of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more limitation of physical function. The primary outcome was the difference between the study groups with respect to the change in the score on the physical-function scale of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) from baseline to 6 months after randomization.

Secondary Outcome Measures

  1. KOOS Pain - Difference From Baseline [Baseline to 6 months]

    Scores on the pain scale of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scale (KOOS) range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more pain. The secondary outcome was the difference between the study groups with respect to the change in the score on the pain scale of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scale (KOOS) from baseline to 6 months after randomization.

  2. SF-36 Physical Functional Status Scale - Difference From Baseline [6 months]

    Scores on the physical-activity scale of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater physical activity.

  3. Total Knee Replacement - Subjects Received [Baseline to 60 months]

    Number of subjects that elected to undergo Total Knee Replacement or Total Knee Arthroplasty between baseline and 60 month follow up. Intended to show the total number of participants that underwent Total Knee Replacement in the period following the initial intervention through 60 month follow up.

  4. KOOS Pain - Mean at 60 Months [60 months]

    Scores on the pain scale of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scale (KOOS) range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more pain. The secondary outcome was the mean KOOS pain for each of the study groups 60 months after randomization.

Eligibility Criteria

Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study:
45 Years and Older
Sexes Eligible for Study:
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
No
Inclusion Criteria:
  • OA symptoms lasting at least 1 month and managed with medications, activity limitations, and/or physical therapy

  • At least one symptom consistent with a torn meniscus. Symptoms may include clicking, catching, popping, giving way, pain with pivot or torque, episodic pain, and/or pain that is acute and localized to one joint line.

  • Available knee X-ray (within 6 months) and MRI (within 3 years)

  • Evidence of osteophyte formation or cartilage fissure, tear, or loss on a knee MRI OR plain radiographic evidence of osteophyte formation or joint space narrowing

  • Evidence of a meniscal tear (tear extending to surface of meniscus) on a knee MRI

  • Willingness to undergo random assignment and sign an informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:
  • Chronically locked knee

  • Kellgren-Lawrence Grade IV status, indicating advanced OA and usually the need for total knee replacement

  • Contraindication to MRI

  • Radiographic chondrocalcinosis (a condition in which there are deposits of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate [CPPD] crystals in one or more joints that eventually result in damage to the affected joints) AND acute symptomatic pseudogout

  • Inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, gout, pseudogout)

  • Injection with viscosupplementation in the affected knee in the 4 weeks before study entry

  • Any medical contraindications to surgery or physical therapy

  • Both knees are symptomatic for meniscal tears and a candidate for bilateral APMs

  • Prior surgery on an affected knee

  • Pregnancy or possible pregnancy

  • Claim filed for worker's compensation

  • Unable or unwilling to give informed consent

  • Unable or unwilling to attend physical therapy sessions at designated locations or in the community

Contacts and Locations

Locations

Site City State Country Postal Code
1 Rush University Medical Center Chicago Illinois United States 60612
2 Brigham and Women's Hospital Boston Massachusetts United States 02115
3 Mayo Clinic Rochester Minnesota United States 55905
4 Washington University in St Louis, School of Medicine Saint Louis Missouri United States 63110
5 Hospital for Special Surgery New York New York United States 10021
6 Cleveland Clinic Cleveland Ohio United States 44195
7 Vanderbilt University Nashville Tennessee United States 37232

Sponsors and Collaborators

  • Brigham and Women's Hospital

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Jeffrey N. Katz, MD, MS, Brigham and Women's Hospital

Study Documents (Full-Text)

None provided.

More Information

Publications

Responsible Party:
Jeffrey Neil Katz, MD, Professor of Medicine and Orthopedic Surgery, Harvard Medical School; Director, Orthopaedic and Arthritis Center for Outcomes Research, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
NCT00597012
Other Study ID Numbers:
  • R01AR055557
First Posted:
Jan 17, 2008
Last Update Posted:
Oct 30, 2020
Last Verified:
Oct 1, 2020
Individual Participant Data (IPD) Sharing Statement:
No
Plan to Share IPD:
No
Keywords provided by Jeffrey Neil Katz, MD, Professor of Medicine and Orthopedic Surgery, Harvard Medical School; Director, Orthopaedic and Arthritis Center for Outcomes Research, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital
Additional relevant MeSH terms:

Study Results

Participant Flow

Recruitment Details The Meniscal Tear in Osteoarthritis Research (MeTeOR) trial was performed in seven academic referral centers with enrollment occurring from June 2008 through August 2011.
Pre-assignment Detail
Arm/Group Title Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy (APM) Physical Therapy (PT)
Arm/Group Description Participants underwent arthroscopic partial menisectomy (APM) surgery and were offered postoperative rehabilitative physical therapy. Participants underwent standard physical therapy that included strengthening and stretching sessions one to three times a week for 8 weeks.
Period Title: Overall Study
STARTED 174 177
COMPLETED 161 169
NOT COMPLETED 13 8

Baseline Characteristics

Arm/Group Title Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy Physical Therapy Total
Arm/Group Description Participants will undergo arthroscopic partial menisectomy (APM) surgery and offered postoperative rehabilitative physical therapy. Participants will undergo standard physical therapy that will include strengthening and stretching sessions one to three times a week for 8 weeks. Total of all reporting groups
Overall Participants 161 169 330
Age, Customized (years) [Mean (Standard Deviation) ]
Mean (Standard Deviation) [years]
59.0
(7.9)
57.8
(6.8)
58.4
(7.3)
Sex: Female, Male (Count of Participants)
Female
90
55.9%
97
57.4%
187
56.7%
Male
71
44.1%
72
42.6%
143
43.3%
Race/Ethnicity, Customized (participants) [Number]
White
138
85.7%
142
84%
280
84.8%
Black or African American
15
9.3%
17
10.1%
32
9.7%
Hispanic
2
1.2%
5
3%
7
2.1%
Other
6
3.7%
5
3%
11
3.3%
Index Knee (participants) [Number]
Right
70
43.5%
68
40.2%
138
41.8%
Left
91
56.5%
101
59.8%
192
58.2%
Mean Body-Mass Index (kg/m^2) [Mean (Standard Deviation) ]
Mean (Standard Deviation) [kg/m^2]
30.0
(6.1)
30.0
(6.1)
30.0
(6.1)
WOMAC physical-function score (Units on a scale) [Mean (Standard Deviation) ]
Mean (Standard Deviation) [Units on a scale]
37.1
(17.9)
37.5
(18.3)
37.3
(18.1)
KOOS pain score (Units on a scale) [Mean (Standard Deviation) ]
Mean (Standard Deviation) [Units on a scale]
46.0
(15.5)
47.2
(16.4)
46.6
(16.0)
Mental Health Index 5 score (Units on a scale) [Mean (Standard Deviation) ]
Mean (Standard Deviation) [Units on a scale]
74.8
(12.9)
74.0
(13.9)
74.4
(13.5)
SF-36 Physical Activity score (Units on a scale) [Mean (Standard Deviation) ]
Mean (Standard Deviation) [Units on a scale]
44.3
(23.7)
43.3
(23.3)
43.8
(23.5)
Kellgren-Lawrence grade (participants) [Number]
0
34
21.1%
36
21.3%
70
21.2%
1
26
16.1%
35
20.7%
61
18.5%
2
37
23%
39
23.1%
76
23%
3
45
28%
39
23.1%
84
25.5%

Outcome Measures

1. Primary Outcome
Title WOMAC Functional Status - Difference From Baseline
Description Scores on the physical-function subscale of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more limitation of physical function. The primary outcome was the difference between the study groups with respect to the change in the score on the physical-function scale of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) from baseline to 6 months after randomization.
Time Frame Baseline and 6 months

Outcome Measure Data

Analysis Population Description
[Not Specified]
Arm/Group Title Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy Physical Therapy
Arm/Group Description Participants underwent arthroscopic partial menisectomy (APM) surgery and were referred for postoperative rehabilitative physical therapy. Participants underwent standard physical therapy that included strengthening and stretching sessions one to three times a week for 8 weeks.
Measure Participants 161 169
Mean (95% Confidence Interval) [Score]
20.9
18.5
Statistical Analysis 1
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy, Physical Therapy
Comments The primary analysis was implemented with an analysis of covariance with changes in the WOMAC physical-function score from baseline to 6 months as the dependent variable, treatment as the independent variable of interest, and study site as a covariate. The primary analysis used a modified intention-to-treat approach in which patients who did not withdraw from the study were evaluated in the group to which they were randomly assigned.
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other (legacy)
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.26
Comments
Method ANCOVA
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter Mean Difference (Final Values)
Estimated Value 2.4
Confidence Interval (2-Sided) 95%
-1.8 to 6.5
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
2. Secondary Outcome
Title KOOS Pain - Difference From Baseline
Description Scores on the pain scale of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scale (KOOS) range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more pain. The secondary outcome was the difference between the study groups with respect to the change in the score on the pain scale of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scale (KOOS) from baseline to 6 months after randomization.
Time Frame Baseline to 6 months

Outcome Measure Data

Analysis Population Description
[Not Specified]
Arm/Group Title Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy Physical Therapy
Arm/Group Description Participants underwent arthroscopic partial menisectomy (APM) surgery and were referred for postoperative rehabilitative physical therapy. Participants underwent standard physical therapy that included strengthening and stretching sessions one to three times a week for 8 weeks.
Measure Participants 161 169
Mean (95% Confidence Interval) [Score]
24.2
21.3
Statistical Analysis 1
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy, Physical Therapy
Comments
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other (legacy)
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.16
Comments
Method ANCOVA
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter Mean Difference (Final Values)
Estimated Value 2.9
Confidence Interval (2-Sided) 95%
-1.2 to 7.0
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
3. Secondary Outcome
Title SF-36 Physical Functional Status Scale - Difference From Baseline
Description Scores on the physical-activity scale of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater physical activity.
Time Frame 6 months

Outcome Measure Data

Analysis Population Description
[Not Specified]
Arm/Group Title Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy Physical Therapy
Arm/Group Description Participants underwent arthroscopic partial menisectomy (APM) surgery and were referred for postoperative rehabilitative physical therapy. Participants underwent standard physical therapy that included strengthening and stretching sessions one to three times a week for 8 weeks.
Measure Participants 161 169
Mean (95% Confidence Interval) [Score]
24.2
23.1
Statistical Analysis 1
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy, Physical Therapy
Comments
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other (legacy)
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 0.68
Comments
Method ANCOVA
Comments
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter Mean Difference (Net)
Estimated Value 1.1
Confidence Interval (2-Sided) 95%
-4.4 to 6.6
Parameter Dispersion Type:
Value:
Estimation Comments
4. Secondary Outcome
Title Total Knee Replacement - Subjects Received
Description Number of subjects that elected to undergo Total Knee Replacement or Total Knee Arthroplasty between baseline and 60 month follow up. Intended to show the total number of participants that underwent Total Knee Replacement in the period following the initial intervention through 60 month follow up.
Time Frame Baseline to 60 months

Outcome Measure Data

Analysis Population Description
[Not Specified]
Arm/Group Title Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy Physical Therapy
Arm/Group Description Participants underwent arthroscopic partial menisectomy (APM) surgery and were referred for postoperative rehabilitative physical therapy. Participants underwent standard physical therapy that included strengthening and stretching sessions one to three times a week for 8 weeks.
Measure Participants 161 169
Count of Participants [Participants]
16
9.9%
9
5.3%
5. Secondary Outcome
Title KOOS Pain - Mean at 60 Months
Description Scores on the pain scale of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scale (KOOS) range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more pain. The secondary outcome was the mean KOOS pain for each of the study groups 60 months after randomization.
Time Frame 60 months

Outcome Measure Data

Analysis Population Description
[Not Specified]
Arm/Group Title Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy (APM) Physical Therapy (PT)
Arm/Group Description Participants underwent arthroscopic partial menisectomy (APM) surgery and were offered postoperative rehabilitative physical therapy. Participants underwent standard physical therapy that included strengthening and stretching sessions one to three times a week for 8 weeks.
Measure Participants 161 169
Mean (95% Confidence Interval) [score on a scale]
18.2
19.4

Adverse Events

Time Frame 60 months
Adverse Event Reporting Description
Arm/Group Title Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy Physical Therapy
Arm/Group Description Participants underwent arthroscopic partial menisectomy (APM) surgery and were offered postoperative rehabilitative physical therapy. Participants underwent standard physical therapy that included strengthening and stretching sessions one to three times a week for 8 weeks.
All Cause Mortality
Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy Physical Therapy
Affected / at Risk (%) # Events Affected / at Risk (%) # Events
Total 1/174 (0.6%) 1/177 (0.6%)
Serious Adverse Events
Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy Physical Therapy
Affected / at Risk (%) # Events Affected / at Risk (%) # Events
Total 3/174 (1.7%) 2/177 (1.1%)
Cardiac disorders
Cardiovascular 2/174 (1.1%) 2 2/177 (1.1%) 2
Vascular disorders
Hypoxemia 1/174 (0.6%) 1 0/177 (0%) 0
Other (Not Including Serious) Adverse Events
Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy Physical Therapy
Affected / at Risk (%) # Events Affected / at Risk (%) # Events
Total 15/174 (8.6%) 13/177 (7.3%)
Cardiac disorders
Cardiovascular 6/174 (3.4%) 6 3/177 (1.7%) 3
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Muskuloskeletal 7/174 (4%) 7 6/177 (3.4%) 6
Pain in the back, hip, or foot 2/174 (1.1%) 2 4/177 (2.3%) 4

Limitations/Caveats

Surgical randomized controlled trials present methodological challenges, including crossover from one group to the other.

More Information

Certain Agreements

Principal Investigators are NOT employed by the organization sponsoring the study.

There is NOT an agreement between Principal Investigators and the Sponsor (or its agents) that restricts the PI's rights to discuss or publish trial results after the trial is completed.

Results Point of Contact

Name/Title Jeffrey N. Katz, MD, MSc
Organization The Brigham and Women's Hospital
Phone 617-732-5338
Email jnkatz@bwh.harvard.edu
Responsible Party:
Jeffrey Neil Katz, MD, Professor of Medicine and Orthopedic Surgery, Harvard Medical School; Director, Orthopaedic and Arthritis Center for Outcomes Research, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
NCT00597012
Other Study ID Numbers:
  • R01AR055557
First Posted:
Jan 17, 2008
Last Update Posted:
Oct 30, 2020
Last Verified:
Oct 1, 2020