Meniscal Repair
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 home exercises.
RANGE OF MOTION
As tolerated
EXERCISES
Heel slides, quad sets, patellar mobs, SLR, SAQ**.
PHASE TWO
2-6 WEEKS
WEIGHT BEARING
2-4 weeks: TTWB with crutches.
4-8 weeks: Progress PWB to FWB only when locked in ext.
BRACE
Unlocked 0°-90° as tolerated in ROM progression..
Discontinue brace at 6 weeks.
RANGE OF MOTION
0-30 at 2 weeks
0-60 at 4 weeks
0-90 at 6 weeks
EXERCISES
Addition of heel raises. Activities w/ brace until 6 weeks; then w/o 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 press 0°-90°, proprioception exercises, balance/core/hip/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 III exercises and functional activities: single leg balance, core, glutes, eccentric hamstrings, elliptical, and bike. Swimming okay at 16 wks.
PHASE FIVE
> 20 WEEKS
WEIGHT BEARING
Full
BRACE
None
RANGE OF MOTION
Full
EXERCISES
Advance to sport-specific drills and running/jumping once cleared by MD.
