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HomeSummaryReview of the conditionConsidering surgeryPreparing for surgeryAbout the procedureRecovering from surgeryRehabilitationPhysical therapy Rehabilitation options Usual response Risks Duration of rehabilitation Returning to ordinary daily activities Long-term patient limitations Costs Conclusion

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Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair: A minimally invasive method to repair torn knee cartilage

Edited By: John R. "Trey" Green III, M.D.
Last updated Thursday, January 19, 2006

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Rehabilitation

Physical therapy

The three early postoperative rehabilitation goals are; get the knee out fully straight, decrease swelling, and regain quadriceps muscle control. Patients are encouraged to do straight leg raises in the brace immediately after surgery. The brace is used to walk with the knee in extension for six weeks. Range of motion is generally started soon after surgery from 0-90 degrees, without any weight-bearing during motion. The brace is unlocked at six weeks and weaned off when good quadriceps control is demonstrated. Motion is increased as tolerated at six weeks, but deep squats are avoided until 12 weeks. Low impact type activities such as swimming and exercise machines are encouraged at 12 weeks, with advancement to cutting and pivoting sports generally at 16 weeks. The assistance of a physical therapist is very helpful in achieving a rapid full recovery.

Rehabilitation options

Sports Medicine Clinic has experienced physical therapists, who regularly guide patients through meniscus repair rehabilitation. Since much of the work of rehabilitation is done at home, the surgeon, patient and therapist are partners in a successful outcome. Since many patients come a distance for our expertise, we have developed working relationships with many therapy clinics in the surrounding area to make therapy more convenient.

Usual response

Patients are generally satisfied with the progress made during rehabilitation, and often feel ready to do more than allowed during each phase. Adherence to this protocol has led to successful outcome. If the exercises seem particularly difficult or painful, the patient should contact the therapist or surgeon.

Risks

This is a safe rehabilitation program with minimal risk.

Duration of rehabilitation

Return to sports requires the ability to perform sports specific drills at competition speed. Depending on the rigors of the sport, the preoperative condition, associated injuries, and other individual factors, return to a chosen sport generally takes four to five months. Rehabilitation should continue until the patient’s athletic goals are achieved.

Returning to ordinary daily activities

Patients are generally able to get back to activities of daily living three to four days after arthroscopic meniscus repair. These activities will initially be performed while wearing a brace. Help at home for the first several days after surgery is beneficial.

Long-term patient limitations

After full rehabilitation and recovery, patients have no limitations. However, if significant articular (gliding) cartilage injury or degeneration is noted at the time of diagnostic arthroscopy, high impact type sports are discouraged to slow the progression of arthritis.

Costs

Since much of the rehabilitation is done at home, rehabilitation is cost-effective. The surgeon and therapist should be able to provide the usual cost of the rehabilitation program.

Surgery for Meniscus Tear at the University of Washington, Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Seattle, Washington

If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure in Seattle, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-543-1552 to make an appointment. Our clinical center is located in Seattle Washington, USA

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