Meniscal Repair

Orthopaedic Associates of Maine

Weight-Bearing

NWB 4-6 wks (per MD); TDWB in full extension may be allowed per MD; WBAT wks 7-9

Key Restrictions

NWB 4-6 wks; immobilizer locked at 0° until 4 wks; CKC at 6 wks in full extension or 20-70° only (maintained until 4 months); CKC limited to 90° until 20 wks; avoid deep knee flexion CKC 6 months; active hamstring at 6 wks, resistive at 8-10 wks; avoid pivoting/twisting; quad strength 80% uninvolved before plyometrics, 90% for RTS

Timeline & Phases

Wks 1-6 (NWB/TDWB, ROM 0-120° by wk 6), Wks 7-9 (WBAT, normalize gait), Wks 10-15 (strength/endurance, CKC <70°), Wks 16-20 (dynamic SL, plyometrics), Wk 20+ (return to running, RTS at 6 months)

Notes

Deep squatting past parallel avoided until 6 months; RTS transition begins at 6 months if passing functional evaluation (Vail Sport Test, hop testing battery, 90% quad symmetry); return to sport per functional exam and MD evaluation