Which postoperative component is typical of meniscal repair rehab?

Which postoperative component is typical of meniscal repair rehab?

• A. Knee immobilizer x 4-6 weeks
• B. Immediate high-impact activity
• C. Unrestricted ROM from week 1
• D. No isometrics

Answer: (A)

Protecting the repaired meniscal tissue is the priority after surgery. The repair site heals slowly, and early motion or bending can create shear forces that compromise sutures and tissue. Using a knee immobilizer in extension for about four to six weeks minimizes joint motion and stress at the repair, giving the tissue time to stabilize. High-impact activities right away would overload the repair, risking failure. Allowing unrestricted range of motion from the first week would also place stress on the sutures and repaired tissue, not helping healing. Early muscle activation, including isometrics, is generally encouraged to maintain strength and control, so a plan that excludes isometrics isn’t typical. Hence, immobilizing the knee for several weeks is the standard postoperative component to protect the repair.

Protecting the repaired meniscal tissue is the priority after surgery. The repair site heals slowly, and early motion or bending can create shear forces that compromise sutures and tissue. Using a knee immobilizer in extension for about four to six weeks minimizes joint motion and stress at the repair, giving the tissue time to stabilize.

High-impact activities right away would overload the repair, risking failure. Allowing unrestricted range of motion from the first week would also place stress on the sutures and repaired tissue, not helping healing. Early muscle activation, including isometrics, is generally encouraged to maintain strength and control, so a plan that excludes isometrics isn’t typical. Hence, immobilizing the knee for several weeks is the standard postoperative component to protect the repair.