Meniscal Repair Post-Op Physiotherapy

The meniscus is a C-shaped disc of cartilage or soft tissue that connects the thigh bone to the shinbone. Its function is to maintain knee stability, facilitate joint gliding, prevent hyperextension, and absorb shock. Meniscal repair is a surgical procedure to repair a torn meniscus. It is minimally invasive and is often performed on an outpatient basis. Meniscal tears are common among athletes who play contact sports such as hockey and football. However, it can also result from lifting heavy objects, particularly among older individuals. While meniscus repair surgery offers good results, the recovery time can be long.

Many factors can influence the outcomes of post-operative physiotherapy, including the severity and location of the injury. It is recommended that therapists collaborate closely with referring physicians regarding surgical findings and satisfaction with the strength of repair. A patient goes through the following phases of rehabilitation:

PHASE 1.

Physiotherapy appointments begin immediately postoperatively and continue at approximately 1 per week for 4 weeks. During this period, the goals are to protect the repair site, reduce swelling, and minimise pain. A knee brace is placed to either hold the knee fully extended or allow for controlled motion. Swelling management involves compression, elevation, retrograde massage, and ankle pumps (a type of exercise used to relieve oedema or swelling).

The therapist will work with the patient to restore patellar mobility, achieve full extension, regain 90-degree flexion, and re-establish quadriceps control. Patients will be instructed to walk with crutches. Range-of-motion exercises include prone hangs, heel slides, supine wall slides, and partial weight-bearing.

Suggested therapeutic exercises include quadriceps sets, straight-leg raises, four-way leg lifts in standing with a brace for balance and hip strength, and abdominal isometrics. A patient can progress to the next phase of rehabilitation after surgery if they exhibit a pain-free gait without crutches.

PHASE 2.

Begins 4 weeks post-op if phase 1 criteria are met, rehab appointments are scheduled once every 1-2 weeks. The goal during this phase is for the patient to achieve single-leg-stand control, normal gait, and no pain during functional movements, including stepping up and down, squatting, and partial lunges.

Phase 1 interventions continue, with additional activities including non-impact balance and proprioceptive drills, stationary bike use, gait drills, hip and core strengthening, stretching for patient-specific muscle imbalances, and quadriceps strengthening. The patient will also do cardiovascular exercises and non-impact endurance training.

The patient may proceed to the next phase of rehabilitation if he exhibits a normal gait on all surfaces and performs functional movements without pain or unloading of the affected leg. He should also demonstrate reasonable control and single-leg balance for greater than 15 seconds.

PHASE 3.

Up to 3 months after surgery, provided the second-phase criteria are met. Appointments at Dubai physiotherapy clinics can be scheduled every 1 to 2 weeks. During this period, the goal is for the patient to achieve reasonable control and no pain with sport- and work-specific movements, including impact activities.

The therapist will work with the patient on impact-control exercises, movement-control exercises progressing from low to high velocity, and strength and control drills related to sport-specific movements. Hip and core strengthening exercises continue, as does stretching. Cardiovascular exercises are targeted to replicate the patient’s specific energy demands.

PHASE 4.

From 3 to 5 months after surgery, early return to sport or work is permitted once the third-phase criteria are met. The goal for this phase is for the patient to safely initiate a sport-specific training program and promote proper movement patterns. The patient is also expected to gain dynamic neuromuscular control with multi-plane activities without pain or swelling.

The therapist continues all interventions from the previous phases and creates interval, plyometric, and agility programs for the patient. The patient can return to sports or work upon receiving his physician’s clearance that all milestone criteria have been met.

Physical therapy is vital for regaining full knee function after meniscal repair surgery. The Scandinavian Physiotherapy Centre has experienced physical therapists who regularly guide patients through rehabilitation for meniscus repair. They offer several treatment modalities, including trigger point therapy, craniosacral therapy, electromyographic biofeedback, and kinesiotaping. Book an appointment today at +971 4 551 6126.