REHABILITATION PROTOCOL:ARTHROSCOPIC MENISCUS REPAIR

Phase I (Weeks 0-6)

• Weightbearing: TTWB until first post op visit then weight bearing as tolerated WITH crutches

• Hinged Knee Brace: worn for 4 weeks post-op

• Weeks 0-2: Locked in full extension for ambulation and sleeping – remove for hygiene and PT

• Weeks 2-4: Unlocked for ambulation and removed while sleeping, for hygiene and PT

• Range of Motion – AAROM  AROM as tolerated

• Weeks 0-4: Full ROM – No weightbearing at flexion angles greater than 90°

• Weeks 4-6: Full ROM as tolerated – progress to flexion angles great than 90°

• Therapeutic Exercises

• Quad/hamstring sets, heel slides, straight leg raises, co-contractions

• Isometric abduction and adduction exercises

• Patellar mobilizations

• At 4 weeks: can begin partial wall-sits – keep knee flexion angle less than 90°

Phase II (Weeks 6-12)

• Weightbearing: As tolerated – discontinue crutch use at 6 weeks

• Hinged Knee Brace: Discontinue brace use when patient has achieved full extension with no evidence of extension lag

• Range of Motion – Full active ROM

• Therapeutic Exercises

• Closed chain extension exercises, Hamstring strengthening

• Lunges – 0-90°, Leg press - 0-90°

• Proprioception exercises

• Begin use of the stationary bicycle

Phase III (Weeks 12-16)

• Weightbearing: Full weightbearing with normal gait pattern

• Range of Motion – Full/painless ROM

• Therapeutic Exercises

• Continue with quad and hamstring strengthening

• Focus on single-leg strength

• Begin jogging/running

• Plyometrics and sport-specific drills

Phase III (Weeks 12-16)

• Gradual return to athletic activity as tolerated

• Maintenance program for strength and endurance