Arthroscopic meniscus surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in orthopedic surgery. During this surgery, small incisions are made to access the lesion in the meniscus. The rehabilitation program after meniscus surgery may vary depending on the type of surgery and the patient’s general health condition.
If the problematic part of the meniscus was cleaned during surgery, meaning a meniscectomy was performed, the rehabilitation program is typically faster. However, if the meniscus was repaired, this program can vary between 3 weeks to 3 months, depending on the location, size, and quality of the repair. For an athlete, returning to active sports can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year, depending on the sport.
Generally, the first 2 weeks after surgery are spent controlling swelling and pain in the knee. During this period, cold compresses are applied to the knee, and simple stretching and range-of-motion exercises are recommended. If a meniscus repair was not performed, weight-bearing and load-bearing exercises are started within the first 2 weeks. However, if a meniscus tear was repaired, weight-bearing is avoided for 3 to 6 weeks. This is to allow biological healing, giving time for the repair tissue to strengthen.
After a meniscectomy (removal of the meniscus), patients are encouraged to stand up on the first day after surgery. Walking is started in a controlled manner using a pair of crutches. On the same day, exercises to bend and straighten the knee and strengthen the muscles around the knee are also started in bed. The goal during the first week is to bend the knee comfortably to 90-100 degrees and begin walking without pain. After 2 weeks, the aim is to gradually wean off the crutches and increase your independent walking distance. On average, a desk worker can return to work and begin driving within 15 days.
After 1 month, patients can begin their normal activities based on their general condition. After 2 months, they can resume sports.
After meniscus repair surgery, the treatment protocol is somewhat longer. The primary goal is to be able to bend the knee to 90 degrees within the first 3 weeks. Depending on the size and location of the tear, it may be necessary to avoid weight-bearing or use a pair of crutches for 3 to 6 weeks. Typically, after 3 weeks, patients are encouraged to bend the knee further, to 120 degrees or more. Since biological healing is slow, early strengthening exercises are not highly recommended. After achieving full range of motion within 6-8 weeks, patients move on to the second phase of rehabilitation, which is strengthening. During this phase, they can start driving and return to desk jobs. By this time, patients should no longer be using crutches. The strengthening phase can last 3 to 6 months depending on the patient’s condition. The main goal during this phase is to return to daily activities and engage in light sports.
The final phase is the return to sports, and on average, patients regain full performance and return to sports within 8-9 months.
This process may vary in length depending on the size of the tear, the quality of the repair, the location of the tear, and whether any accompanying ligament or cartilage injuries are present.
