Meniscus Surgery Recovery Timeline When it comes to meniscus surgery, especially a repair, the timeline for bending your knee and getting back to normal activities follows a well planned out phase-based rehabilitation proto…
No Exercise After Surgery
Initial Phase (0-4 Weeks):
Patients are encouraged not to twist or pivot, squat, deep knee bends or impact for at least four months following surgery12.
A knee immobilizer is frequently used during this time to protect the surgical wound, particularly the first 3 weeks1.
Weight Bearing:
Microfracture Rehabilitation: For the microfracture technique, most patients are allowed to bear weight partially within a few weeks after surgery but have to follow restrictions on movement for natural healing as well45. Full weight bearing may be allowed by the end of the first week if tolerated1.
Physical Therapy:
The area that the person had surgery on is very weak at this point, so light movement should be introduced through rehabilitation exercises early in recovery. Exercise Exercise, and activities like ankle pumps and straight leg raises are encouraged to improve circulation without excessively bending the knee13.
Gradual Return to Activities
4 Months Post-Op:
Typically, patients are allowed to increase their level of activity including light jogging and sport-specific modalities so long as they meet common-sense criteria such diminish/absence of pain and swelling24.
It is important for the patients to refrain from squatting or performing deep knee bends until at least 4 months following surgery12.
Long-Term Considerations
Depending on the rehabilitation protocol progression and individual patient characteristics, return to all activities with full recovery can take up to 6 or more months56.
Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers are crucial for monitoring recovery and modifying rehabilitation plans as needed.
In summary, weight-bearing forces resistive to closed chain knee walking should not be part of a training plan until at least 3 months following meniscus repair surgery.
