MUSCLE STRENGTH IMBALANCE AND KINESIOPHOBIA IN MENISCUS PATIENTS

Inclusion Criteria: * Being between 18 and 50 years of age, with a diagnosis of meniscal injury (male or female) * Having a medial meniscal injury confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) * Presence of a unilateral injury * Voluntary agreement to participate in the study * A minimum of 3 weeks having elapsed since surgery for postoperative participants * A minimum of 2 months having elapsed since injury for participants receiving conservative treatment Exclusion Criteria: * Concomitant anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury or additional ligament injuries such as posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), or medial collateral ligament (MCL) * History of fracture or significant trauma to the lower extremity within the past 6 months * Current or previous neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, Parkinson's disease) * Vestibular system disorders or any conditions affecting balance * Presence of a second surgical intervention or postoperative complications * Osteoarthritis with a Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥ 2 * Contracture or severe limitation of knee range of motion restricting joint mobility