The rehabilitation protocol for knee arthroscopy with meniscal debridement involves beginning weight bearing and range of motion exercises in the first week, strengthening exercises and proprioception training from weeks 2 to 3 with a goal of full range of motion and no limp by 2 weeks, and initiating jogging and returning to sports between 4 to 8 weeks when quadriceps strength is 85% of the uninvolved knee and functional tests can be passed without pain.
The rehabilitation protocol for knee arthroscopy with meniscal debridement involves beginning weight bearing and range of motion exercises in the first week, strengthening exercises and proprioception training from weeks 2 to 3 with a goal of full range of motion and no limp by 2 weeks, and initiating jogging and returning to sports between 4 to 8 weeks when quadriceps strength is 85% of the uninvolved knee and functional tests can be passed without pain.
The rehabilitation protocol for knee arthroscopy with meniscal debridement involves beginning weight bearing and range of motion exercises in the first week, strengthening exercises and proprioception training from weeks 2 to 3 with a goal of full range of motion and no limp by 2 weeks, and initiating jogging and returning to sports between 4 to 8 weeks when quadriceps strength is 85% of the uninvolved knee and functional tests can be passed without pain.
Week 1: Can begin weightbearing as tolerated Pain management Control of effusion / edema Quadriceps recruitment ROM exercises with no restriction Flexibility exercises Should achieve full extension and ability to SLR with no extensor lag
Week 2-3: Initiate strengthening exercises Incorporate endurance, proprioception, and flexibility exercises Should have full range of motion Should be ambulating with no limp by about 2 weeks postop
Week 4-8: Can get in a pool at 4 weeks (portal sites likely ok by then) Sport / activity specific exercises Initiate jogging by 4 weeks but back to sport between 6-8 weeks Should have no pain with strengthening exercises Functional testing and Quadriceps strength should be 85% of uninvolved knee
In general, patients can be advanced as tolerated without real restrictions.