A Study on the Prevalence and Management of Knee Joint Injuries Among Patients Attending Physiotherapy Centers in Misrata, Libya

Abstract

Background: The knee joint is among the most complex and heavily loaded joints in the human body, making it vulnerable to both acute and degenerative injuries. These injuries often impair mobility and quality of life, underscoring the importance of understanding their prevalence and management strategies.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence, typologies of knee joint injuries, as well as the management strategies commonly adopted among patients attending physiotherapy centers in Misrata, Libya.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between January and June 2024 across public and private physiotherapy centers in Misrata. A structured and validated questionnaire was administered to 110 adult patients presenting with knee injuries. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 28, employing descriptive statistics to summarize demographic, clinical, and management characteristics.

Results: Osteoarthritis was the most prevalent knee condition (55.5%), followed by ligament injuries (39.1%), meniscal tears (22.7%), and patellar fractures (8.2%). Females comprised 60% of the sample, and the most affected age group was 50–60 years (19.1%). Analgesic use before medical consultation was reported by 79.1% of participants, and 75.5% received physician-prescribed analgesics. Surgical intervention was advised for 60% of cases, with 50.9% undergoing surgery. Physiotherapy was initiated post-surgery in 59.1% of participants, and 88.2% reported functional improvement following physiotherapy.

Conclusion: Osteoarthritis and ligament injuries are the most common knee pathologies among physiotherapy patients in Misrata. Physiotherapy plays a pivotal role in rehabilitation and pain reduction, emphasizing its importance in comprehensive knee injury management.