Meniscal Repair, All-Inside
The information below is meant as a guideline only. The professional skills of a therapist must come into play for each individual patient.
Dr. Chris Evensen
PHASE ONE
0-2 WEEKS
WEIGHT BEARING
NWB
BRACE
Locked in full extension for sleeping and all activity*
Off for exercises and hygiene
RANGE OF MOTION
As tolerated
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 w/o brace
Only with Brace
BRACE
Unlocked 0-90°
Off at night
Discontinue brace at 6 weeks
RANGE OF MOTION
0°-30° X 2 wks
0°-60° X 2 wks
0°-90° X 2 wks
EXERCISES
Addition of heel raises, total gym (closed chain), terminal knee extensions**
Activities w/ brace until 6 weeks; then w/o 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 closed chain activities
Begin hamstring work, lunges/leg press 0-90°, proprioception exercises, balance/core/hip/glutes
Begin stationary bike
PHASE FOUR
12-20 WEEKS
WEIGHT BEARING
Full
BRACE
None
RANGE OF MOTION
Full
EXERCISES
Continue to progress closed chain exercises.
PHASE FIVE
16-24 WEEKS
WEIGHT BEARING
Full
BRACE
None
RANGE OF MOTION
Full
EXERCISES
Progress Phase III exercises and functional activities: single leg balance, core, glutes, eccentric hamstrings, elliptical, and bike
Swimming okay at 12 wks
Advance to sport-specific drills and running/jumping after 16 weeks once cleared by MD
