KNEE: ARTHROSCOPY WITH ARTHROSCOPIC MENISECTOMY
PRE-OPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM
After surgery you will usually be allowed to put as much weight on your operated leg as tolerated. You may need to use an assistive device such as crutches or walker for several days. Most people need to use crutches for about two days, but this can vary ranging from 0-7 days. This variation is mostly due to pain and swelling. Occasionally your physician may need to alter your instructions after surgery. Make sure that you understand and follow any new instructions.
Strengthening and range of motion exercises are a vital part of your rehab or recovery from this surgery. Your exercise program is divided up into three phases:
- PHASE I (pre-op [before surgery] through post-op [after surgery], day 10): Start these exercises immediately (as tolerated not to increase any pain) to strengthen your knee pre-operatively. On the surgery day, only do what exercises you can do comfortably. Post-operatively be sure to include the ROM exercise for stretching and range of motion of your operated knee. These exercises are done 10-25 repetitions each 3 times per day, stopping with fatigue or pain.
- PHASE II (post-op days 10-20): Start these exercises post-op day 10 using THERABAND for resistance to further advance your knee strength. Perform these exercises 30 repetitions each, 2 times per day and continue ROM exercise it, Phase I until knee ROM is equal to uninvolved knee.
- PHASE III (postoperative days 20-30): Start these exercises post-op day 20 to further improve functional tasks such as walking, stair climbing and jogging. These exercises should be done 30-50 repetitions each 1 time per day or according to your strength and endurance, progressing slowly.
Things to avoid after surgery:
- Kneeling with direct pressure or body weight on your operated knee, constant standing, constant walking and squatting should be avoided immediately after surgery.
- Do not continue exercises or activities that cause increase pain or swelling. Swelling needs to be controlled at all times. This is usually best managed by appropriate rest, ice, compression and elevation.
GOALS FOR 10 DAYS POST-OP (if not met, you may schedule out-patient Physical Therapy appointment):
- Knee range of motion should allow at least a 90-degree angle of bending when sitting in a chair. You should also be able to straighten your knee almost completely.
- You should have minimal amount of pain and swelling.
- You should be able to walk without crutches and tolerate 20-30 minutes of continuous walking or standing.
GOALS FOR 30 DAYS POST-OP (if met, may stop exercise program, otherwise continue exercise program until goals are fully met):
- Able to tolerate continuous walking and standing for 45-60 minutes.
- Able to ascend and descend stairs normally foot over foot for a minimal of 1 flight of stairs.
- Able to resume all work and leisure activities without limitations, unless otherwise restricted by physician.
IMPORTANT: If you have any questions about these exercises, contact our outpatient PT department at 886-7544 or 932-5935. If you question that you are not progressing appropriately after surgery, please contact your physician.
- Remove bandage 2 days post-op and cover with band-aides. May then shower. No bathing, soaking or swimming until portals are completely healed (7-10 days).
- May return to work, walking, driving and any other activities to pain tolerance. You may return to work prior to follow-up appointment with physician.
