Meniscus (cartilage) Repair patients cannot do twisting, pivoting, squatting, deep knee bends or impact activities for four months. It is vital that meniscus repair patients do not squat for at least four months after the repair.
Motion is typically restricted for first 4 to 6 weeks to allow the meniscus to heal. 4 to 6 weeks, if: You have regained motion and strength. Your knee is not swollen or painful.
The First Weeks
Often the brace will allow the knee to only bend a certain amount, such as 60 or 90 degrees, depending on your surgeon's recommendation. Patients should continue to use a brace whenever walking, and only place weight on the leg if the knee is held fully straight by the brace.
SITTING HEEL SLIDES - to regain the bend (flexion of the knee). While sitting in a chair or over the edge of your bed, support the operated leg with the uninvolved leg. Lower the operated leg, with the unoperated leg controlling it. Allow the knee to bend but DO NOT exceed 90 degrees of bend at the knee.
The inability to bend or straighten the knee may be the result of a true locked knee (in which torn knee cartilage becomes wedged in the joint) or a pseudo-locked knee (in which severe knee pain triggers a defensive reaction that impedes knee movement).
So unfortunately, having a meniscal tear which requires surgery may raise your risk of getting arthritis later in life. It has also been shown that a knee that has undergone meniscus surgery has weaker thigh muscles and poorer quality of cartilage 4 years after the surgery [3].
For a general timeframe, many runners can begin a (safe) return to running program around 8-12 weeks post-op. This timeline provides enough time to significantly reduce swelling, improve strength at the hip and quadriceps muscles, and implement a gradual progression/training plan to resume proper walking mechanics.
It is common to limp for a few weeks after the surgery and to experience some tightness due to normal postoperative swelling. If you are not using the prescription pain medicine, and if your knee motion permits, you can drive your vehicle as early as the day after surgery.
If the knee does well and there are no significant symptoms, then it follows that the tear must have healed up and the repair was successful. If, however, a patient is unlucky enough to develop recurrent symptoms and ongoing problems with the knee, then the assumption is that the attempted repair has failed.
Although arthroscopic surgery of the meniscus is minimally invasive, you may still experience knee pain after surgery. For some people, other problems can occur after surgery, such as arthritis, re-injury, incomplete rehabilitation, and more.
It is usually OK to run with a meniscus tear if: You have completed your rehab and have regained full range of motion, strength, and control in your leg; and. You can walk at a brisk pace for 30 minutes without a problem; and. Running doesn't cause your knee to hurt or swell during or in the 24 hours after the run.
You will recover more quickly if you carefully follow all your doctor's instructions. In your first days after surgery, you will need apply ice frequently and elevate your knee above your heart to help relieve swelling. Be sure to get plenty of sleep, to help your body heal.
Patient will be non-weight bearing for 6 weeks immediately following surgery unless otherwise directed. Progress to partial weight bearing with brace at week 6. Progress to full weight bearing with brace unlocked (if adequate quad control) near week 8.
Following meniscus surgery, a person may develop new knee pain. This can occur for several reasons, including reinjury or problems with postsurgical rehabilitation. It may also develop due to postsurgical complications, such as arthritis. The treatment for new knee pain may vary depending on the underlying cause.
Swelling after knee surgery is a very common occurrence and it's totally normal to experience it for several months or even up to a year after the procedure. So, don't worry too much if the swelling persists for a long time.
When a true meniscus repair is performed, your surgeon is likely to recommend a period of limited weight-bearing (using crutches or walker for walking) and limited motion. They may also recommend using a knee brace. These measures are taken in order to protect the repair and give it a chance to heal.
Tears that won't heal
The outside of the meniscus has a rich blood supply and access to blood cells that help regenerate new meniscus tissue and spur healing. The inside of the meniscus, however, is blood-poor and may take a long time to heal on its own, if it ever does.
Knee pain, osteoarthritis, re-injury, inadequate rehabilitation, and spontaneous osteonecrosis are potential long-term problems after meniscus surgery. Talk with your healthcare provider about treatments to help you find relief if you're experiencing pain or other post-surgery problems.
It is usually OK to run with a meniscus tear if: You have completed your rehab and have regained full range of motion, strength, and control in your leg; and. You can walk at a brisk pace for 30 minutes without a problem; and. Running doesn't cause your knee to hurt or swell during or in the 24 hours after the run.
Swimming is one of the best cardio workouts for people with bad knees, because of its low impact on your body. Swimming is also a very versatile activity and can burn calories very quickly. While swimming you'll be able to work all major muscle groups in your body including glutes, chest, and especially the core.
Treatment for non-locking torn meniscus
The patient should avoid pivoting and squatting and should work on keeping the quadriceps muscles strong. If the swelling and pain have not resolved in 6 weeks, they usually won't without surgical intervention.
A meniscus tear interferes with the normal movement of the knee, and without treatment, you can wind up with serious, lifelong problems.
That being said, meniscus repair is a safe procedure with a complication rate of 1.3%.
Without a meniscus, you might gradually develop knee pain and arthritis of your joint. Replacing your meniscus may provide significant pain relief. It may also help prevent arthritis in your joint. This can develop when your cartilage becomes frayed and rough.