Meniscectomy Rehabilitation Protocols

12 Meniscectomy rehabilitation protocols from 11 institutions, published 2019–2024. Weight-bearing progressions vary by institution — compare them in the table below before selecting a protocol.

Compare by institution

Institution	Weight-Bearing	Key Restrictions
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) — Arthroscopic…	TTWB initially; gradually wean crutches once permitted by surgeon to WBAT	Brace locked in full ext for ambulation and sleep until surgeon permits (typically 1 wk); D/C brace when flex…
Massachusetts General Hospital — Arthroscopic Partial…	WBAT with crutches; wean crutches in first several days when edema resolves, good quad…	No towel under knee; avoid painful activities; limit excessive walking initially; lead with non-surgical limb…
NYU Langone Health — / Knee Debridement (Post-Operative)	WBAT	WBAT immediately post-op; crutches 24-48 hrs until gait normalizes; return to activities at 4-6 wks
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center — General Knee…	FWB independent of crutches when no antalgia, no increased pain/effusion, full knee ext…	Pain control and edema management priority; estim or biofeedback for quad/VMO recruitment as needed; patellar…
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center — Knee…	WBAT immediately post-op; no WB restrictions	No WB or ROM restrictions; full ROM allowed immediately; refer to operative note for any specific post-op…
Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists (OSMS) — Knee…	Consider crutches first 24-48 hrs only	Leave post-surgical dressing on for 5 days; general expectation 95-99% return to activities, though…
Saint Louis University (SLU) — Partial Meniscectomy /…	Crutches D/C within 1 wk when full ext, SLR without lag, and ambulates without limp	Icing 3-5x/day 30 min; no cutting/jumping/pivoting until Phase 3; swimming at 1 month; repetitions smooth and…
SOMOS (Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons)…	WBAT with crutches as needed; D/C crutches when normal gait achieved; no brace typically…	No brace typically; WBAT from day 1; sport-specific training when quad ≥80% of uninvolved limb; jogging…
UCLA Department of Orthopaedic Surgery - Sports Medicine…	WBAT with 2 crutches; D/C crutches when no SLR extension lag, full active extension…	D/C crutches criteria: no extension lag with SLR, full active knee extension, 90-100° flexion, non-antalgic…
University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery — Knee Arthroscopy…	Crutches as needed; D/C when swelling decreased, quad recruitment and normal gait restored	No running until Phase 3 (6+ wks); progress ROM as tolerated to restore normal motion
University Orthopedics (Brown University) — Knee Arthroscopy…	WBAT with crutches; D/C crutches when gait normal (generally 3-5 days)	TED hose until swelling resolved; cold therapy with knee elevated and in full extension after exercise; if…
UW Health Sports Medicine — Knee Debridement and Partial…	WBAT with axillary crutches initially; progress to independent ambulation as tolerated	Axillary crutches initially for gait; avoid impact x 4-6 wks if articular cartilage debrided; post-activity…