weight bearing after meniscus repair
If you have any knee discomfort at all, it is important to have it examined as soon as possible. This is only if you have a meniscus repair and you need to stay active. . Save the armpits! As biomechanical factors, postoperative range of motion (ROM) and weight-bearing status can impact meniscal healing after repair. . Your incision will be very small but it is still advisable to follow proper wound care. This injury is commonly seen due to overuse among athletes, but torn menisci may also occur with age as a result of natural degeneration. If the eccentric step down is our favorite exercise then this is a close second one. The literature is screaming this same thing at us but we continue to ignore their calls and revert to the 90s! After orthopedic surgery, the surgeon will define the amount of weight that the patient can bear on the leg. Subscribe to my Youtube channel for more performance therapy and training tips!Have a question/comment? Proper self-care is essential to shortening the recovery process and avoiding a recurrence of the injury. While individual recovery times may vary, a partial meniscectomy usually has a shorter recovery period than a meniscus repair. Usually patient's are non- weight bearing for 4-6 weeks after meniscus repair surgery. Proper aftercare is essential to avoid any complications or setbacks that may lengthen your recovery time. No active/passive knee flexion past 90deg for 4 weeks. Unable to load your collection due to an error, Unable to load your delegates due to an error. Depending on the size and location this can develop into a bucket handle tear or may respond to a meniscus repair surgery if in the vascular area. Can you squat with proper form and control? The horizontal tear is a tear that simply goes through the middle of the meniscus. . Though the surgery to repair a meniscus tear alone is not terribly long, the recovery time can last anywhere from three weeks to six months for a full . Lift your hips up to the ceiling and roll the ball towards your butt. A meniscus tear can also be from a traumatic injury such as twisting during sports or a degenerative which is a tear from general wear and tear. However, removal of meniscal tissue can also diminish the ability of the meniscus to dissipate hoop stresses (weight bearing pressure on the outside of the meniscus), resulting in altered biomechanics of the knee joint including increased contact pressures." . You will be advised to rest as soon as you get home following your procedure. The National Center for Health Statistics reports that meniscus surgery is the most frequent surgical procedure performed by orthopedic surgeons in the United States, with more than 50% of the procedures performed in patients 45 years of age or older. HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help This does not necessarily mean that the tears occurring on the inner portion have to have surgery as many people have meniscus tears and do not even realize it. (Updated 2021). Data extraction: Wearing a knee brace can also be helpful. Common Items Needed After Meniscus Surgery Ice machine This one of thest top items on the list for pain control and swelling. It is important to understand swelling, how to reduce swelling and when to recognize if it is problematic after meniscus repair surgery. Memmel C, Krutsch W, Szymski D, Pfeifer C, Henssler L, Frankewycz B, Angele P, Alt V, Koch M. Int J Environ Res Public Health. Keywords: At or around 6 weeks after surgery, you will likely have a follow up with your surgeon. Use of a knee brace and crutches is advisable for at least two weeks to make sure that the knee is stabilized and there is no unnecessary pressure placed on the joint. In the cases of menisco-synovial ramp repair, hypermobility of the lateral meniscus fixation and longitudinal tear suture, where the hoop tensile stress effect is preserved, partial weight bearing (20 kg) is allowed for the first four weeks after surgery, with weight bearing as tolerated for the following weeks [11, 30]. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. For complex repairs, I would recommend limiting weightbearing to partial but understand that the hoop stresses could aid in healing and are arguably helpful and necessary. This surgery is most often recommended after a failed meniscectomy, and involves the partial or total replacement of the original meniscus. Recovering from knee surgery requires the patient to take care of themself and be very self-aware of how they feel. Get my latest content \u0026 FREE presentation on how to get started with functional performance therapy and training:http://bit.ly/performance-therapy-and*****WANT TO TRAIN WITH CHAMPION? eCollection 2021 Oct. Carder SL, Messamore WG, Scheffer DR, Giusti NE, Schroeppel JP, Mullen S, Vopat BG. Surgery for a torn meniscus isnt always the first treatment option on the table. In isolated meniscal repair patients (n = 62), there was no difference between weight-bearing groups for rate of re-operation (n.s.). We start with a reverse lunge vs a forward lunge because it is less stress and force through the knee joint. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. that showed excellent results in patients undergoing a combined ACL-meniscus repair procedure and utilizing no limitations in weightbearing or range of motion, similar to a protocol for an isolated ACL reconstruction. As you return to running start slow and progress 10-15% each week to avoid injury, Dont start running or jumping until you can hold a single leg squat for 30 seconds, Warm up properly before returning to any sporting activity, Continue to strengthen the leg, it is one the thing that has been shown to decrease injury risk. Weightbearing After Meniscus Repair 15,799 views Premiered Oct 16, 2019 184 Dislike Share Mike Reinold 28.4K subscribers #177: On this episode of the #AskMikeReinold show we talk about our. However, in some cases, they can stitch the meniscus back together. If you have a meniscus repair you will want to make sure that you have these to add a little cushion to the armpits. While bearing weight (on the crutches if there is pain in the knee) on the involved leg, take a step through with the uninjured leg. Physical exertion will need to be avoided for two to three months, although your doctor or physiotherapist will recommend some appropriate activities that will gradually strengthen the knee and surrounding area. Recovery time for a Meniscus knee scope varies depending on the type of surgery performed. These tensile forces create hoop stresses, which expand the menisci in extension. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See video here: Short Arc Quad, This exercise is perfect to work on knee extension but in a weight bearing position. Ahmed I, et al. 2008;24:1342-1348. BRACE: The brace should be worn at all [] Tahami M, Vaziri AS, Tahmasebi MN, Ahmadi MA, Akbarzadeh A, Vosoughi F. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. Once you are cleared for full weight-bearing it often takes another 6 weeks of physical therapy and strengthening exercises to you get back to feeling normal and reducing injury risk. Find a bolster or a foam roller and place it underneath the knee. official website and that any information you provide is encrypted It is now recommended to try and do at least 6 weeks of physical therapy before undergoing any surgery. Initiate knee motion. Staying off your feet during the first few days following the procedure is very important. 2013 Dec;41(12):2753-8. doi: 10.1177/0363546513505079. A split or torn meniscus is among the most common knee injuries, and it often occur during severe impact or twisting motions, especially during weight-bearing exercise. (2021). Meniscus Repair Rehabilitation Protocol GENERAL GUIDELINES - Use the cryotherapy cuff continuously for the first 72 hours, then as needed thereafter . So, if you're wondering what to expect after meniscus surgery, well, I'm your gal. Depends: Follow your surgeon's instructions. Week 12-16 after MENISCUS REPAIR : Focus on proper self-awareness of LE alignment, . Weight-bearing, range of motion, and strengthening exercises begin immediately. The increased amount of arthritis makes this type of tears difficult to heal after surgery and may even speed up the degeneration. 2018. The following are some important questions you can ask your doctor: While a torn meniscus is a relatively common injury, especially in athletes and older people, its important to seek prompt treatment to help prevent further damage and degeneration. Shoot for at least 30 reps. See video: Reverse Lunge. -, Chiang CW, Chang CH, Cheng CY, et al. Am J Sports Med. Wont that put the repair in a position to fail? How will surgery increase or decrease such risks? Younger people are more likely to be highly active, and are at risk of worsening a tear by overuse. 4) Trunk vertical (no lateral lean) . Another possible, though rare, procedure is a meniscus reconstruction. Following a partial meniscectomy, immobilization is not required and full extension with 90 degree flexion is possible approximately 10 days after surgery. They are relatively inexpensive and worth the price to help maintain the swelling and provide confidence in the knee. It usually takes about 4 to 8 weeks for patients to increase weight bearing and range of motion. Can I work outside US on OPT? In this surgery, the torn part of the meniscus is repaired with sutures. Will I need someone to help me around the house with everyday tasks? The first weeks you will use this many times a day. Rehabilitation after knee meniscus repair. Further use of the injured menisci can lead to chronic swelling, pain, and clicking noises. This is a great exercise to isolate and strengthen the surgical leg while working on control and balance. Unfortunately, many of these commonly used protocols are from the 1990s. Damaged knee cartilage, left untreated, can progress into severe arthritis and become increasingly debilitating. Your orthopedic surgeon will be able to explain the options available to you based on the status of your injury, and answer questions about potential outcomes. 2005;21:167-175. Surgery is a major decision, and can lead to potential complications both during recovery and down the line. So, if immobilized in extension, why do we limit weightbearing? 2. Contact your doctor immediately if you believe you may be experiencing this complication. One tip is to avoid pushing off with the nonsurgical leg to vault yourself up. Things like new joint line pain along the site of the repair, new swelling or a change in pain patterns, and even clicking (although most people have this) are all signs that I may want to further assess and modify my progression. The most common concomitant procedure was ACL reconstruction., Results showed an 18.6% failure rate based on reoperation and a 15.3% failure rate based on joint line tenderness. What speed? Raj MA, et al. Paper #365. Furthermore, the compressive loads applied while weightbearing in full extension following a vertical, longitudinal repair or bucket-handle repair have been shown to reduce the meniscus and stabilize the tear, as noted by Rodeo and more recently by McCulloch. As this healing occurs, patients progress towards bearing weight, increasing their range of motion, and leaving the knee brace behind. 5 Common Mistakes Youre Making After an Ankle Sprain, 6 Great Ways to Reduce Low Back Pain with Driving, Return to Running After an Ankle Sprain: A Helpful Guide, 5 Reasons Why Running on a Treadmill is Better for Back Pain, Hip Replacement: What to Expect in Your First Week, Ankle Exercises for Runners: Strengthening, Stretching, and Loosening Up, How to Strengthen the Tibialis Posterior: A Helpful Guide, https://lifesworkpt.com/2017/05/what-is-a-torn-meniscus-in-the-knee/. We will determine during your consultation whether general or regional anesthesia would be appropriate either way, no pain will be experienced during the procedure itself. Perkins B, Gronbeck KR, Yue RA, Tompkins MA. BFR-LLST added to usual care exercise initiated early after cartilage or meniscus repair seems feasible and may prevent disuse thigh muscle atrophy during a period of weight bearing restrictions. This is especially true for degenerative meniscus tears which have much less success with surgery. How you squat and how you respond matter! Control pain and swelling 2. sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal Surgeons may not even prescribe formal physical therapy after the procedure because they do so many and the knee is now back to normal.. For high-level sports, there may be pain still present at 6 weeks and may take the full 12 weeks to be able to play pain-free. Arthroscopy. An arthrogram is an imaging test that uses a dye-like fluid called contrast to create detailed images of joints. This involves a combination of physical therapy as well as at-home strengthening exercises recommended by your doctor. See below for exercises that use an aerobic step and our favorite is the simple yet effective KLB Sport 31 Adjustable Step. These types of tears often do not need or respond well to surgery. See video here: Quad sets with heel prop. 2001;19:384-390. There is a lot of information out there regarding weight bearing status after meniscus repair. Im still shocked by this and wanted to discuss the recent research that is lending to a more progressive approach to return people safely back to their prior level of function. Start by standing with your knee bent, tighten your quad and straighten your knee all the way back. Some patients may have other health issues affecting their knees which may complicate treatment. Am I at risk of developing knee arthritis? Timeline In general 6-12 weeks and you will be back to normal. This is why some researchers believe that repair surgeries may be a better long-term option than non-surgical procedures. Perkins C, et al. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Patients who had a repair of a radial meniscus tear are kept non-weight-bearing for 4 weeks to protect the repair site. Included studies were those with levels of evidence 1 through 4, with minimum 2 years follow-up and in an English publication. This debridement allows the joint to move freely. When was the surgery? How Long After Meniscus Repair Can I Walk? Epub 2017 Aug 16. For instance I was weight bearing immediately but some are not. CRTL sports stretching strap for the durability. Should I take these alongside the RICE method? I'm not allowed weight bearing, or out of the brace, so it's limiting. and transmitted securely. Immediate weight-bearing is allowed and patients are typically back to performing all activities of daily living in three or four days. The extra support and warmth will also help speed up the healing process. More recent studies using an accelerated rehabilitation protocol with full weightbearing and early range of motion reported 64% to 96% good results. Continue with Recommended Cookies. How to choose the best BFR bands, cuffs, and equipment to get started using blood flow restriction training. It can help identify joint pain. We also recommend limited motion, and sometimes a knee brace. . Your stitches will dissolve on their own and any scarring will fade in time. (Ankle pumps, quad flexes, squeezing my butt muscles, squeezing pillow between knees, and straight . At-home physical therapy exercises are typically recommended, and most patients are approved to resume their normal activities within 4-6 weeks. orlando, fla. patients allowed to weight-bear as tolerated immediately after meniscus repair did not have higher failure rates than patients who had a traditional. government site. Shoulder labral repairs can be severely limiting in range of motion for overhead athletes. rn i . Please consult your physician or health care profession before beginning any exercises after surgery. Rather than heal, the meniscus tear is scarred down and absorbed to a degree that it no longer causes pain. This timeline can vary depending on the patients age, fitness level, and commitment to appropriate physiotherapy following the procedure. Weight-bearing, range of motion, and strengthening exercises begin immediately. The motion has been shown to help. This exercise targets the important muscles that help stabilize the hip and maintain the alignment of the leg and helps prevent excessive rotation at the knees. During a knee arthroscopy, your surgeon makes a small incision in the knee joint so they can place a small camera (arthroscope) inside to guide them as they perform surgery on the affected meniscus. One of the main benefits of this surgery is that it reduces the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the future. Meniscal movement: an in-vivo study . (2017). . This is the beginnings of single leg squat trainging. From 2005 to 2011 the number of meniscus surgeries increased by 100%, thats a huge amount. ive kinda been stumbling a little bit but it gets better every day. Other Types of Knee Injuries or Disorders. Some say weight bearing as tolerated, others don't want any weight bearing for two weeks, if not more. 8600 Rockville Pike I certainly wouldnt consider these aggressive programs, they simply used immediate weightbearing and range of motion. They also occur frequently with other knee injuries such as ACL tears. Unlocked for ambulation and removed for sleeping by weeks 4-6. This is often found on most MRIs especially in older patients and is not considered serious. A meniscus repair to the knee cartilage is a minimally invasive surgery that can normally be performed on an outpatient basis. Control pain and swelling. The ACL is next to the menisci, running through the center of each knee joint. Current Standards of Early Rehabilitation after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in German Speaking Countries-Differentiation Based on Tendon Graft and Concomitant Injuries. Clipboard, Search History, and several other advanced features are temporarily unavailable. Context: A relatively early weight-bearing protocol for meniscal repair can be applied because the repaired meniscus can be spared from weight-bearing by the load-shifting effect of the OWHTO. What do the surgeons that you work with recommend? These tensile forces create 'hoop stresses', which expand the menisci in extension. While a sharp pain in the knee can sometimes indicate a meniscus tear has already occurred, ignoring this pain can turn a minor injury into a much worse one. This can be caused by routine activities like squatting or climbing stairs. Even if you forego the crutches, you may wish to continue wearing the knee brace to improve stability and reduce the risk of over-straining the joint. With a meniscus repair you may be allowed to bear some weight on your repaired knee with the assistance of crutches and a brace immediately following surgery. This is completely normal, and the doctor may prescribe some mild pain medication for you to take when you get home. Non-weight bearing x6weeks for root/complex/radial meniscal repairs They were all non-weight-bearing for the first two weeks. You may need to use crutches for a little while. To assess the value of postoperative limits to motion, weight bearing, and agility activities, a comparison was made of our previously published "standard" rehabilitation program with an "accelerated" program permitting unlimited weight bearing, full motion, and no restrictions on pivoting sports. Thursday, 10 March 2022 / Published in Knee. Our favorite is from Cucial Compression since it comes in a two pack and adds just the right amount of compression. Theres a lot to explore here! This is huge and may aid in the healing process! An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Until that time, you are at an increased risk for injury due to the limitations in strength. Total recovery time can vary from 3 to 6 months, depending on the overall health of the patient and their commitment to proper follow-up care. If you only had your ACL reconstructed, weight bearing as tolerated seems to be a good way to go. Range of motion is generally started soon after surgery from 0-90 degrees, without any weight-bearing during motion. PMC Try to perform slow and controlled, the slower the better to get muscle growth. (n.d.). The following are the necessary cues for appropriate form: 1) Lower extremity alignment. If you decide to go the OTC route, always ask the doctor first to make sure the medication is appropriate for you. The two main types of surgeries that occur for a meniscus tear are a Meniscus Repair or a Partial Meniscectomy. Am J Sports Med. These hoop stresses are thought to be helping the healing process in many tears by approximating the tissue. See video: Bulgarian Split Squat. A cartilage tear is not like a broken bone you can still move around, which often causes progressive damage and a delay in seeking medical attention. Restricting a patient's postoperative ROM intends to limit the risk of re-tear. One of the best squat variations, the goblet squat exercise targets the core and legs while adding resistance to improve strength. The doctor might also recommend ice and elevation during this period. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Your doctor may recommend a knee replacement. After two to three weeks, you might find that you no longer need the support of crutches, but its important to not rush the process. It's still a bit sore and swells a little after doing the rehab exercises but no pops or cracks, I definitely had been weight bearing a lot though. Results: My first partial meniscectomy occurred almost 30 years ago, after a tennis injury. Bone fracture (Patella, Femur . Epub 2013 Oct 10. Depending on how large the tear is, as well as other contributing health factors, your doctor may recommend surgery. A meniscus tear is often treated conservatively, without surgery. However, when the meniscus is actually repaired and not just debrided, there are other factors to consider. Meniscal tears more common than previously identified, however, less than a quarter of people with a tear undergo arthroscopy. Theyll help you make the best decision based on your age, overall health, and lifestyle. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. What future precautions will I need to take pertaining to exercise or daily activities. Avoid exercises that involve: pivoting. Demographics and clinical and radiographic outcomes of meniscus repair at a minimum of 2 years follow-up were extracted. "ACL and meniscus repair together require a longer recovery," says Dr. Jeffery Kazaglis, orthopedic surgeon on staff at Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin, Ill. "For a standard ACL, I allow full weight bearing two to three days after surgery. Data sources: This is dependent on the surgeon and a great question to ask. 2017 Jun;45(7):1687-1697. doi: 10.1177/0363546516667578. Common symptoms of a meniscus tear are: No, not necessarily. In this video, I interview Dr. Nima Mehran who formerly worked. Goals: 1. Each time you should start increasing the amount of weight put into the surgical leg until you can do a single leg balance with minimal pain. Depending on the extent of your meniscus tear, your surgeon may recommend removing or repairing part of the meniscus via a knee arthroscopy. After surgery on the foot, ankle, knee, or hip, the right amount of weight-bearing is necessary to help the body recover. 2018 Aug;26(8):2245-2250. doi: 10.1007/s00167-017-4665-9. This exercise is a standard across all knee surgeries and should be done as frequently as possible.