Meniscus Repair

• Hospital stay: Most patients are discharged the same day after surgery.

• Weight bearing: Depending on the meniscus tear morphology, you will either bear full weight right away or be non weight bearing for 6 weeks.  You will need crutches for the early rehab phase of your recovery.

• Brace: You will typically wear a brace for 6 weeks after surgery

• Range of motion: Early motion starts right away.

• Ice and elevation: Used frequently to control pain and swelling. You should ice for 20 minutes, 3–4 times per day right after surgery.

• Bulky dressings will be removed 1–2 days after surgery.

• A waterproof underlay dressing should be left on for 1 week.

• Incisions typically heal within 2 weeks.

• Showers are permitted while wounds are covered with waterproof dressings during the first 2 weeks.

• Do not submerge incisions in water (baths, pools, or ocean) for 6 weeks.

• A wound check with your GP, allied health provider, or our clinic is recommended at 2 weeks.

• Absorbable sutures are usually used and do not require removal, though small remnants may surface naturally during healing.

Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) can occur after surgery.

You can reduce the risk by:

• Moving your foot and ankle regularly while resting.

• Walking early with assistance.

• Avoiding long periods of sitting or immobility.

• You will likely take aspirin for 2–6 weeks to prevent DVT/PE. If you have a history of blood clots or risk factors, a stronger blood thinner may be prescribed.

• If you plan any long-distance travel within 6 weeks of surgery, please inform our clinic for preventative medication.

Seek immediate medical attention if you develop calf pain, swelling, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

• Local anaesthetic will be injected into the knee during surgery.

• Use ice regularly (20 minutes, 3–4 times per day). An ice machine may be hired from a third party.

• Take prescribed pain medication as directed. Opioids may be used short-term but have known side effects (nausea, constipation, dependence). Non-opioid medications are preferred when tolerated.

• Use a compression dressing on the knee for 6–12 weeks to manage swelling.

• Begin gentle range-of-motion and muscle activation exercises as soon as recommended.

• Use walking aids for stability while recovering your gait.

You should contact your surgeon or clinic immediately if you notice:

• Increasing redness, swelling, or drainage from the wound.

• Persistent or worsening pain not controlled by medication.

• Fever, chills, or night sweats.

• Calf pain or swelling (possible blood clot).

• Any acute injury to your operative knee.

Prompt review allows early management of potential complications.

Return to activities depends on the nature and intensity of the activity.

General guideline:

• Walking: Start immediately after surgery.

• Running: Start when knee swelling and pain has improved, typically 3-6 months

• Stationary cycling: Can start right away and is encouraged. Road cycling can take 6–12 weeks.

• Light gym exercise (Pilates, pool work, yoga): 6–12 weeks.

• Sport: Typically 3-6 months, depending on sport intensity and tear morphology.

Because the meniscus needs time to heal, your surgeon may limit deep squatting, pivoting, or twisting activities for the first 3–6 months. Running and high-impact activities are generally avoided early to protect the repair.

• You can usually drive once you can safely control the vehicle and perform an emergency stop comfortably.

• This is typically 4–6 weeks after right knee surgery, and 2–3 weeks for the left knee.

• You must not drive while taking strong pain medication (e.g., opioids).

Return to work depends on your occupation and the type of surgery you received.  In general, the following time are followed:

• Office or sedentary work: 1–2 weeks (once you can commute safely).

• Light manual work: 4–6 weeks.

• Heavy manual labour: 3–4 months or longer, depending on recovery.

Yes. Physiotherapy is essential for optimal recovery and long-term success after patella stabilization.

Your physiotherapist will:

• Guide you through a structured rehabilitation program.

• Focus on restoring range of motion, strength, balance, and gait mechanics.

• Progress exercises gradually from early mobility to functional activity and low-impact sport.

Most patients continue physiotherapy for 6–12 weeks to achieve full functional recovery.

While meniscus repair is a safe and effective procedure, potential complications include:

• Infection (superficial or deep)

• Blood clots (DVT/PE)

• Knee stiffness or limited motion

• Persistent pain or swelling

• Failure of the meniscus to heal (re-tear or non-healing)

• Nerve irritation or numbness around the incision

• Fluid accumulation in the knee (effusion)

• Recurrent clicking or catching sensations

• Progression of knee arthritis

• Numbness near incisions