Was your injury diognosed as a “meniscal root tear”? Seems unusual to be six weeks non weight bearing for any other meniscal injury.
Meniscus repair
- Thread starter 1100011CS
- Start date
Completely different rehab process compared to meniscectomy or traditional repair.
Oh, damn. Ok then, sorry to say golf probably contributed to the injury so that could play a factor post op but you’re going to be on the high end 9months min before golfing most likely.
Don't know really. I run marathons but doc didn't think that was the cause. Age? I have some arthritis in that knee too.
Hey there. Friendly neighborhood physical therapist here. I work in outpatient orthopedics and sports rehab and see a BUNCH of meniscus repairs. Sounds like not doing a meniscectomy so recovery will very based on the nature of the tear - peripheral/vertical vs. radial root. Different docs have different protocols for each and one allows for earlier weight bearing and pushing flexion range of motion quicker.
Regardless, DO YOUR PT EXERCISES. You’ll bounce back SO much quicker. You’ll be table level with exercises for 6 weeks. Likely off crutches by week 7/8. Transitioning to isolated weight bearing single leg exercises by week 10. Jogging/ double leg jumping by week 15 (pending strength testing) and likely full return to sports by week 18-20 (pending testing). Let me know if you need specifics.
Regardless, DO YOUR PT EXERCISES. You’ll bounce back SO much quicker. You’ll be table level with exercises for 6 weeks. Likely off crutches by week 7/8. Transitioning to isolated weight bearing single leg exercises by week 10. Jogging/ double leg jumping by week 15 (pending strength testing) and likely full return to sports by week 18-20 (pending testing). Let me know if you need specifics.
Oof. Missed you mentioning it was a radial root. Sorry man. 6 weeks non-weight bearing no exceptions and less aggressive ROM. Meniscus has poor blood supply and perfusion hence the precautions. I’ve seen too many people disregard precautions and ruin the surgery. :-/ stinker is you can’t really tell it happened until like 14 weeks in.
Let me know if you need rehab specifics and visit frequency recommendations.
Let me know if you need rehab specifics and visit frequency recommendations.
Thanks for all of the info although a bit depressing. Question: after the six weeks, assuming I stay off it and don't screw it up, can I mess it up if I try to do too much?
Freak things can always happen and every activity carries risk. Biggest concern up until the 14 week mark is trying to avoid a loaded rotational moment at the knee (twisting while leg is planted) - really not likely to happen but just limits some exercises you can do in PT. I’ve had one re-tear post op but they slipped on ice (others have just straight up been non-compliant jackwaggons).
I’m not going to lie, the 1st 6 weeks are mentally tough. If you find a PT you gel with things will go great. Treat the first 6 weeks like training for a marathon - you’re building your base mileage for a solid foundation. Get your lateral hips and quads as ripped and tolerant to high, endurance-based reps. Learn to love blood flow restriction training. It’s a grind but find the joy in rebuilding and seeing progress. You REALLY have no need to do more than 2x week with formal PT (unless motion is tough). I have a lot of mine, if things look good, go 1x/wk weeks 3-6.
I work with a major university-based hospital system but we have about 90% of our athletes fully back to contact sport and activities post-RR meniscus repair by 22-24 weeks.
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