Effect of Preoperative Kinesiophobia on Clinical Outcomes Following Arthroscopic Meniscus Surgery

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.

Inclusion Criteria: 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. Exclusion Criteria: 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.