MENISCAL REPAIR 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
Partial weight bearing with crutches ***
BRACE
Locked in full extension for sleeping and all activity.
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 **
TTWB → PWB only when locked in full ext.
PHASE TWO
2-6 WEEKS
WEIGHT BEARING
2-4 weeks: 50% WB with crutches.
4-8 weeks: Progress to full WB only when locked in ext.
BRACE
2-6 weeks: Unlocked 0°-90°
Off at night.
Discontinue brace at 6 weeks.
RANGE OF MOTION
As tolerated
EXERCISES
Addition of heel raises. Activities with brace until 6 weeks; then without brace as tolerated.
PWB → FWB only when locked in full ext.
PHASE THREE
6-12 WEEKS
WEIGHT BEARING
Full
BRACE
None
RANGE OF MOTION
Full
EXERCISES
Progress closed chain activities-total gym (closed chain), terminal knee extensions **
Begin hamstring work, lunges, leg presses 0°-90°, balance, core, hip, proprioception exercises, and glutes.
Begin stationary bike when ROM 0°-110°
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.
16 weeks: Swimming is okay at 16 Weeks.
PHASE FIVE
> 20 WEEKS
WEIGHT BEARING
Full
BRACE
None
RANGE OF MOTION
Full
EXERCISES
Advance to sport-specific drills. Running and jumping allowed once cleared by MD.
