Meniscectomy — Knee Debridement and Partial Meniscectomy

UW Health Sports Medicine · UW Health Sports Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Physician Group

Weight-Bearing

WBAT with axillary crutches initially; progress to independent ambulation as tolerated

Key Restrictions

Axillary crutches initially for gait; avoid impact x 4-6 wks if articular cartilage debrided; post-activity soreness must resolve within 24 hrs; avoid post-activity swelling

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (0-2-3 wks: WBAT with crutches, restore ROM, normalize gait, eliminate swelling) -> Phase II (after Phase I: SLS control, functional movements, non-impact strengthening) -> Phase III (after Phase II: impact control, multi-planar, RTS)

Notes

Updated 5/2019; 3-phase criterion-based protocol; covers partial meniscectomy, articular cartilage debridement, fat pad impingement, plica removal; articular cartilage debridement adds 4-6 wk impact restriction; RTS: dynamic neuromuscular control multi-plane without pain/swelling; no structured RTS testing described; UW Health Sports Medicine, Madison WI

Surgeon / Author

UW Health Sports Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Physician Group

Published

2019-05-01