MENISCAL REPAIR, ALL-INSIDE GUIDELINES
The information below is meant as a guideline only. The professional skills of a therapist must come into play for each individual patient.
Dr. Ben Robinson
PHASE ONE
0-2 WEEKS
WEIGHT BEARING
Full in Brace locked in extension ***
BRACE
Locked in: Locked in full extension for sleeping and all activity*
Take off: Take off for exercises and hygiene
RANGE OF MOTION
0°- 30° x 2 Weeks
0°- 60° x 2 Weeks
0°- 90° x 2 Weeks
EXERCISES
Heel slides, quad sets, patellar mobs, SLR, SAQ**
No weight bearing with flexion >90°
PHASE TWO
2-6 WEEKS
WEIGHT BEARING
2-4 weeks: Full in Brace unlocked 0-90°
4-6 weeks: Full without Brace
Only with Brace
BRACE
2-6 weeks: Unlocked 0-90°
Brace Off at night
6 weeks: Discontinue brace at 6 Weeks
RANGE OF MOTION
As tolerated
EXERCISES
Addition of heel raises, total gym (closed chain), and terminal knee extensions**
6 weeks: Activities with brace until Six Weeks; then without brace as tolerated;
No weight bearing with flexion >90°
PHASE THREE
6-12 WEEKS
WEIGHT BEARING
Full
BRACE
None
RANGE OF MOTION
Full
EXERCISES
Progress with closed chain activities.
Begin hamstring work, lunges and leg press 0-90°, balance, core, hip, glutes, and proprioception exercises.
Begin stationary bike
PHASE FOUR
12-20 WEEKS
WEIGHT BEARING
Full
BRACE
None
RANGE OF MOTION
Full
EXERCISES
Progress Phase Three: Exercises and functional activities: single leg balance, core, glutes, eccentric hamstrings, elliptical, and bike.
12 weeks: Swimming okay at 12 Weeks
16 weeks: Advance to sport-specific activities and drills: running and jumping after 16 Weeks once cleared by MD
