Recovery from Meniscus Surgery

Meniscal tears may be arthroscopically treated with resection, repair, or replacement of the damaged tissue. Recovery after meniscus surgery, which includes either partial meniscectomy, meniscus repair, or meniscus replacement, varies depending on the procedure and individual factors. Here’s an overview of what is involved in the recovery process for each type.

Partial Meniscectomy Recovery

Recovery after a partial meniscectomy, a surgical procedure to remove a part of the damaged meniscus in the knee, involves several stages and varies based on individual factors such as the extent of the meniscal injury, the patient’s overall health, age, and the type of physical activities they engage in. The timeline for recovery and return to sports can be broadly outlined as follows:

1. Immediate Postoperative (Days 1-7) – Following a partial meniscectomy, the immediate focus is on managing pain and swelling, which is typically done using ice, laser therapy, elevation, and medications. Patients may need crutches but are allowed to place weight on the operated leg as tolerated. Early physical therapy exercises are aimed at a gentle range of motion to prevent stiffness.
2. Early Recovery (Weeks 1-3) – During this phase, there’s a focus on a gradual increase in weight-bearing activities. Light exercises are introduced to regain motion strengthen the muscles around the knee, particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings, and improve balance. Patients are advised to avoid high-impact activities and to protect the healing knee.
3. Intermediate Recovery (Weeks 3-6) – During this phase, exercises become more vigorous and are aimed to restore full knee function. This may include stationary cycling, swimming, and low-impact activities. Functional trains focus on activities that relate to sport-specific functions and daily tasks, in preparation for more demanding movements.
4. Full Recovery (6 Weeks -3 months) – Now the focus is on a return to normal daily activities without pain or discomfort. A gradual reintroduction to sports includes non-contact, low-impact activities and progressively increasing intensity.

Meniscus Repair and Replacement Recovery

Recovery after meniscus repair or replacement is a more complex and lengthy process compared to partial meniscectomy, due to the nature of the surgery which involves either stitching the torn meniscus or replacing it with a donor graft. This procedure aims to preserve as much of the natural meniscus as possible, which is crucial for knee function and long-term joint health. The recovery process is comprehensive and typically longer, with a greater emphasis on protecting the repair or graft.

1. Postoperative Care (1-2 weeks) – Immediately after surgery, the focus is on managing pain and reducing swelling, similar to a partial meniscectomy. However, the restrictions in this phase are generally more stringent. The use of crutches is necessary to keep weight off the knee, and the duration of non-weight-bearing can be longer, depending on the surgeon’s protocol and the specifics of the repair or replacement.
2. Early Recovery (2-6 weeks) – During this phase, the knee is immobilized or placed in a brace to protect the repair or graft. The range of motion in the knee is gradually increased under the guidance of a physical therapist, but activities are significantly limited to prevent stress on the healing meniscus. The focus is on gentle exercises to maintain muscle tone and joint mobility, without compromising the integrity of the repair. Weight-bearing may still be restricted through this time period.
3. Intermediate Recovery (6-12 weeks) – As the meniscus starts to heal, physical therapy becomes more intensive. During this phase aim is to restore strength and flexibility more fully, but still within the safe limits of the healing process. Weight-bearing activities are gradually introduced based on the patient’s progress and tolerance.
4. Late Recovery (3-6 months) – The late recovery phase is crucial for meniscus repair or replacement as it involves more significant rehabilitation efforts. The goal here is to restore the knee’s functionality to near pre-injury levels. Exercises become more challenging, focusing on strengthening the entire leg and improving balance and coordination. Sport-specific exercises are introduced, tailored to the patient’s goals and the demands of the activities they wish to return to.
5. Full Recovery and Return to Sports (6-12 months) – Full recovery from a meniscus repair typically takes 4-6 months; a replacement recovery can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months, and sometimes even longer. The timeline for returning to sports is particularly variable and depends on the nature of the repair, the type of sports, and the individual’s healing process. High-impact sports or activities that place significant stress on the knee may require a longer recovery period. Throughout the recovery, regular follow-up with Dr. Patel is essential to monitor the healing of the meniscus and adjust the rehabilitation plan as needed.

Dr. Ronak Patel is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine physician. He specializes in the treatment of complex knee injuries. Contact him to schedule a consultation to learn more about how he can help you return to the life you love and the activities that make life works living. He serves teens and adults in Chicagoland and NW Indiana.