Isolated Meniscus Repair Protocol (0-4 weeks)
(0-4 weeks)
Goals:
- Alleviate acute pain and swelling
- Prevent muscle atrophy
- Gentle AROM
- NON WEIGHTBEARING FOR FOUR WEEKS
- Maintain cardiovascular conditioning
Plan
- Knee immobilizer at all times for walking
- Weight bearing dictated by M.D. depending on surgical technique
Exercises:
- Range of motion out of brace
- Isometrics
- Hip flexion, abduction, adduction, extension
- Knee flexion exercises (prone, standing or NK table)
- Early proprioceptive training
- Ankle exercises (theraband)
- LE stretching (ham/ gastroc)
- Bike: light resistance (if ROM >90°)
- Modalities as needed (EMS for muscle re-ed; IF for edema control
(4-6 weeks)
Goals
- Independent ambulation
- Increase ROM
Plan
- Ambulation without brace
- Continue previous exercises (progress as tolerated)
- Closed chain exercises (ok squats to 60°)
- Progress with cardiovascular exercises (Stairmaster, bike, elliptical)
- May begin gentle swimming (no whip kick, egg beater kick)
- *ROM 0-90°
6-10 weeks
Goals:
- Full ROM
- Increase quadriceps and hamstring strength
- Continue general conditioning
Plan
- Full symmetric ROM
- Normal gait
- Continue with previous strength (progress as tolerated
- Squats ok to 90°
10 Weeks
Goals
- Improve proprioception
- Improve strength
Plan
- Begin running on track
- Progress with proprioceptive training
- Continue with strength training
12 Weeks
Goals:
- Return to sports
Plan:
- Progress with higher level activity and sport training