Skip to main content
. 2022 Mar 3;2022(3):CD014328. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD014328

Comparison 2. Arthroscopic surgery versus exercise.

Outcome or subgroup title No. of studies No. of participants Statistical method Effect size
2.1 Pain (lower score=less pain) 8   Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI) Subtotals only
2.1.1 Up to 3 months 7 942 Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI) ‐0.21 [‐0.33, ‐0.08]
2.1.2 >3 months up to 6 months 5 987 Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI) ‐0.20 [‐0.33, ‐0.08]
2.1.3 >6 months up to 2 years 7 1178 Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI) ‐0.11 [‐0.22, 0.01]
2.1.4 >2 years up to 5 years 2 219 Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI) 0.05 [‐0.48, 0.58]
2.2 Function (higher score=better function) 8   Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI) Subtotals only
2.2.1 Up to 3 months 7 949 Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI) 0.13 [0.00, 0.26]
2.2.2 >3 months up to 6 months 5 988 Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI) 0.12 [‐0.01, 0.24]
2.2.3 >6 months up to 2 years 7 1228 Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI) 0.10 [‐0.01, 0.21]
2.2.4 >2 years up to 5 years 2 219 Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI) ‐0.06 [‐0.34, 0.23]
2.3 Knee‐specific quality of life (higher score=better) 3   Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI) Subtotals only
2.3.1 Up to 3 months 3 347 Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI) 6.87 [2.55, 11.19]
2.3.2 >3 months up to 6 months 1 96 Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI) 0.49 [‐8.28, 9.26]
2.3.3 >6 months up to 2 years 3 348 Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI) 4.47 [‐1.33, 10.28]
2.3.4 >2 years up to 5 years 2 220 Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI) 2.13 [‐5.74, 10.00]
2.4 Generic quality of life (higher score=better) 3   Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI) Subtotals only
2.4.1 Up to 3 months 2 290 Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI) 0.09 [‐0.14, 0.32]
2.4.2 >3 months up to 6 months 1 163 Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI) 0.14 [‐0.17, 0.45]
2.4.3 >6 months up to 2 years 3 425 Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI) 0.03 [‐0.16, 0.22]
2.4.4 >2 years up to 5 years 1 101 Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI) ‐0.26 [‐0.67, 0.15]
2.5 Participant‐reported success 3 532 Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI) 1.17 [0.86, 1.59]