After A Meniscal Repair

After your operation, it is important you follow these guidelines in order to make sure that your repaired meniscus heals in the best possible way:

• Knee Brace: Knee is kept straight in brace and weight bearing is allowed on the straight knee. When sitting, the brace may be unlocked and moved to a 90 degree angle. Keep brace on at night until it is comfortable enough to sleep without it. The brace is used for 1 month.
• After 4 Weeks: Brace can be removed and full weight bearing is allowed. Any form of squatting or twisting must be avoided at least for the first 3 months. Cycling and swimming is allowed after 1 month.
• Sports: Rehabilitation back to sports such as running is allowed after 3 months. Sports involving twisting and pivoting should be delayed until 4 to 6 months after your meniscal repair. This time frame needs to be checked with your surgeon as it can vary between people.
• Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy is advised to help you through the rehabilitation process in order to build strength in your leg and get you back to doing your regular activities.

IMPORTANT: It is essential that weight is kept off the bent knee early on in the rehabilitation process and that sports involving twisting and pivoting should be avoided for at least 3 months after a meniscal repair. This is because the sutures holding the meniscus together are very delicate at the early stages of healing, and any pressure applied to the sutures – such as from walking, running or twisting – can cause the sutures to break. If this occurs, another surgery is necessary to repair the meniscus again!