Complex Meniscus Repair — Meniscal Root and Complex Tear Repair

UW Health Sports Medicine · UW Health Sports Rehabilitation; UW Health Sports Medicine Physician group

Weight-Bearing

TDWB with crutches for 8 weeks; post-op extension brace for 6 weeks

Key Restrictions

TDWB for 8 weeks; post-op extension brace for 6 weeks; ROM goal 0-90° in Phase I; no WB >60° flexion in Phase II; no impact until Phase III (12-16 weeks)

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (0-8 wks): TDWB, ROM 0-90°, extension brace; Phase II (8+ wks): normalize gait, progressive loading, no impact; Phase III (12-16 wks): agility, landing mechanics, running; Phase IV (20-24 wks): RTS (<15% deficit on Biodex, force plate, and hop tests)

Notes

More restrictive than standard meniscal repair. Covers posterior root tears (transtibial tunnel or suture anchor repair) and complex tears. 4-phase criterion-based protocol. RTS requires surgeon/PT clearance plus functional testing.

Surgeon / Author

UW Health Sports Rehabilitation; UW Health Sports Medicine Physician group

Published

2018-01