Meniscus Repair Rehab Protocol
Pre-Surgery
Regain as much ROM as possible
Quad / hamstring isometrics
Post-op week one:
Ice / cryotherapy
Weight-bearing: toe touch only with crutches
Hinged knee brace is maintained in extension
Hamstring stretch.
Calf pumps, isometric and straight leg raises for quadriceps in brace; myostimulation PRN
Post-op weeks two – four:
Weight-bearing: continue toe touch only
Brace: gradually opened to accomodate increasing motion
ROM: Begin PROM and AROM; limit flexion initially to < 60 degrees, progress to 90 degrees at 4 weeks (may be modified depending on integrity of repair construct); self-directed heel-slides
Strength: isometrics as listed above / myostim PRN; begin hip strengthening in all planes
Modalities as indicated
Post-op weeks five – eight:
Weight-bearing: Begin partial weight bearing at 4 weeks postop and progress to full weight bearing at 6 – 8 wks
Brace: Begin to wean out of brace at 4 weeks wearing only for protection. Discontinue before 6 wks.
ROM: Progress PROM and AROM; avoid flexion > 120 degrees for 8 weeks.
Strength: Begin light exercise cycling with low resistance, slowly increase RPMs
Post-op weeks nine – twelve:
ROM: limit flexion to 125 degrees
Strength: Advance closed chain exercises (wall sits, toe raises), avoid loaded flexion beyond 120 degrees
Post-op weeks thirteen – sixteen:
Strength: progress closed-chain activities
Function: begin light proprioception / agility training; begin treadmill / glider / progress to light jogging
Post-op weeks seventeen – twenty:
Strenth: progress to plyometrics
Function: sport specific exercises