Chiropractic management of a medial meniscus tear in a patient with tibiofemoral degeneration: a case report

ObjectiveThe purpose of this case report is to describe and discuss the clinical diagnosis of a medial meniscus tear in an older patient using a multimodal management approach provided by a chiropractor.Clinical FeaturesA 60-year-old woman reported to a chiropractic clinic with left knee pain and swelling. The history and physical examination findings suggested a medial meniscus tear, which was confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging.Intervention and OutcomeTreatment consisted of therapeutic ultrasound; rest, ice, compression, and elevation protocol; soft tissue therapy using effleurage and lymphatic drainage; chiropractic mechanically assisted adjusting techniques to the left knee using a handheld mechanical thrusting instrument; sports taping applied to assist facilitation of the vastus medialis obliquus; and a specific rehabilitation program aimed at strengthening this musculature. The patient's pain was assessed using a quadruple numeric pain scale. Function of the left knee was examined using McMurray, Apley, and a variation of Helfet orthopedic tests, as well as joint line tenderness. Monitoring was done at the initial consultation and at the sixth and 12th treatments. The patient reported being able to walk, swim, and ride a bicycle asymptomatically. Her pain score at the concluding visit was 16.7%, indicating low-intensity pain.ConclusionThis case indicated that conservative management of a meniscus tear through a chiropractic multimodal treatment approach provided an alternative or adjunctive therapy to routine orthopedic surgery for this patient.