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

4 time-based phases: Wks 0-2 (TTWB, brace locked until surgeon permits, NMES, SLR x4), Wks 2-6 (normalize gait, full ROM, leg press/lunges/step-downs, no running until surgeon permits), Wks 6-10 (after 6-week assessment: return to running, double- to single-leg jumping, hop testing after 8 wks), Wks 10+ (after 10-12 week assessment: return to sport progression); 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); 6-week criteria: >=90% ROM, isokinetic quad/HS deficit <=25%, lateral step-down <=3/6 errors, Y balance anterior <=4 cm; return to sport criteria: full ROM, isokinetic quad/HS deficit <=10% at 180 deg/sec, lateral step-down <=1/6 errors, Y balance composite >=90%, hop battery >=90% LSI, LESS <2 errors, tuck jump <6 errors, surgeon clearance

Surgeon / Author

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

Published

Revised 2023