Effect of Preoperative Kinesiophobia on Clinical Outcomes Following Arthroscopic Meniscus Surgery

NCT07654894 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: MBH-ORTHO-2026-001
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 50
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

Meniscal tears are among the most common knee injuries and frequently require arthroscopic surgical treatment when conservative management fails or mechanical symptoms persist. Although surgical techniques have improved clinical outcomes, postoperative recovery is influenced not only by structural pathology but also by psychological factors. Kinesiophobia, defined as an excessive and debilitating fear of movement due to pain or the expectation of reinjury, may negatively affect rehabilitation adherence, functional recovery, and pain perception. This prospective observational study aims to investigate the effect of preoperative kinesiophobia on postoperative clinical outcomes in patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery for meniscal tears. Adult patients diagnosed with a meniscal tear by clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging and scheduled for arthroscopic surgery will be enrolled. Preoperative demographic and clinical characteristics, pain intensity, functional status, and kinesiophobia levels will be assessed using validated outcome measures. Postoperative evaluations will be performed three months after surgery to determine changes in pain and functional outcomes. The relationship between preoperative kinesiophobia and postoperative clinical success will be analyzed. The findings of this study may help identify patients at risk for suboptimal recovery and support the development of individualized rehabilitation strategies.

Conditions

Meniscal Tear

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in Lysholm Knee Score

  To evaluate the change in knee function using the Lysholm Knee Score from baseline (preoperative assessment) to the postoperative 3-month follow-up in patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery for meniscal tears.

  Baseline and postoperative 3 months

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Change in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Pain Score

  Baseline (preoperative) and postoperative 3 months.

• Change in Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) Score

  Baseline (preoperative) and postoperative 3 months.

Study Arms (2)

High Kinesiophobia Group

Patients with meniscal tears scheduled for arthroscopic surgery who demonstrate high preoperative kinesiophobia based on the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK). Participants will undergo standard surgical treatment and routine postoperative rehabilitation and will be evaluated preoperatively and at the postoperative third month for pain and functional outcomes.

Low Kinesiophobia Group

Patients with meniscal tears scheduled for arthroscopic surgery who demonstrate low preoperative kinesiophobia based on the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK). Participants will undergo the same standard surgical treatment and routine postoperative rehabilitation and will be evaluated preoperatively and at the postoperative third month for pain and functional outcomes.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population will consist of adult patients aged 18-65 years who are diagnosed with a meniscal tear by clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and are scheduled to undergo arthroscopic meniscal surgery at the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology of a single tertiary care center. Eligible participants who provide written informed consent and meet the inclusion criteria will be enrolled consecutively. Preoperative and postoperative clinical assessments will be performed according to the study protocol.

You may qualify if:

• Adults aged 18 to 65 years. Diagnosis of meniscal tear confirmed by clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Patients scheduled to undergo arthroscopic meniscal surgery. Ability to understand and complete the study questionnaires. Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent. Availability for both preoperative assessment and postoperative 3-month follow-up.

You may not qualify if:

• Previous surgery on the affected knee. Concomitant anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), or collateral ligament injuries requiring surgical treatment.
• Advanced knee osteoarthritis (e.g., Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3 or 4). History of inflammatory rheumatic disease or active joint infection. Neurological disorders affecting lower extremity function or balance. Severe psychiatric disorders or cognitive impairment preventing completion of questionnaires.
• Pregnancy. Inability or unwillingness to provide written informed consent. Inability to attend the 3-month postoperative follow-up.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Medipol University: lead

Study Officials

• Erdal Güngör, M.D

  Istanbul Medipol University, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Erdal Güngör, M.D

CONTACT

+90 543 879 0630; egungor_49@hotmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 12, 2026
• First Posted: June 17, 2026
• Study Start (Estimated): June 25, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): December 15, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): December 30, 2026
• Last Updated: June 17, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-06