Meniscus Repair: Rehabilitation Protocol
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These are general instructions only and should be taken in conjunction with any specific instructions from your surgeon.
Dressings
You will have plastic dressings on your surgical incisions, soft bandage and a crepe. You are able to shower with the plastic dressings on, but they should not be immersed in water or go in the bath. If they become loose, we recommend reapplying plastic adhesive dressings such as Tegaderm® or OpSite®, which can be obtained from a pharmacy.
Pain Relief
Paracetamol should be taken regularly 3-4 times per day, and other pain relief should be taken as directed by your Anaesthetist and your surgeon. Ice packs can also be used to help treat swelling for the first 72hrs after your operation. The knee may be swollen for several days to a few weeks after your procedure.
Week 1-2
Compression bandage for swelling
Keep the incision sites clean and dry
Touch weight bearing (<5kg) with the leg in full extension
Exercises
Straight leg raises + Static quadriceps exercises, core strengthening
Brace
Hinged knee brace locked in extension
Weeks 2-6
Compression bandage for swelling
Partial weight bearing (<15kg pressure) with the leg in full extension
Exercises
Straight leg raises
Static quadriceps exercises
Well-leg stationary cycling, upper body ergometer for cardio. Add upper body and core conditioning.
Brace
Hinged knee brace locked in extension
Passive range of motion from 0-90
Weeks 6-12
Commence walking and progressively wean crutches
Exercises
Straight leg raises +Static quadriceps exercises
Start mini squats, step ups
Stationary Bike, gradually increasing resistance
Add lateral activities from 8 weeks – side steps, abduction
Add agility exercises from 8 weeks
Brace
Unlock brace
Driving
If you are driving an automatic vehicle and you have had your left leg operated upon, you will be able to commence driving when you have ceased taking strong pain relief. If it is your right leg that has been operated upon, you will need at least 6 weeks off driving.
Contact us if:
- You have a persistent fever
- You have wound ooze or discharge
- You get calf/leg swelling and pain
Follow-up Appointments
If an appointment has not been made for you prior to discharge, please contact our rooms on 03 5752 5020. All patients require a wound review at 10-14 days after surgery.
