Meniscectomy — Arthroscopic Meniscectomy / Chondral Debridement

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) · T. Ganley MD; K. Maguire MD; B. Williams MD; J.T. Lawrence MD PhD

Weight-Bearing

TTWB initially; gradually wean crutches once permitted by surgeon to WBAT

Key Restrictions

Brace locked in full ext for ambulation and sleep until surgeon permits (typically 1 wk); D/C brace when flex >=100 deg and 3 SL squats to 30 deg with good frontal plane control; respect biological healing even when pain-free early

Timeline & Phases

5 time-based phases: Wk 0-2, Wk 2-6, Wk 6-10, Wk 10-12+, Return to Sport; gradual return to sport at 10-12 wks if criteria met

Notes

Pediatric population; 2023 revision; NMES/FES detailed parameters (75 Hz, 400 usec, 10s on/20-50s off); return to sport criteria: hop test >=90% LSI, Y-Balance >=4 cm, isokinetic >=85% LSI, IKDC >=87; ACL-RSI for psychological readiness

Surgeon / Author

T. Ganley MD; K. Maguire MD; B. Williams MD; J.T. Lawrence MD PhD

Published

Revised 2023