Meniscal repair: aftercare advice

You have had surgery to repair a torn meniscus.

This leaflet explains:

• what the meniscus is

• when you will be able to walk on your operated leg

• how to look after your dressing

• when you can resume your normal activities, such as driving and playing sports; and

• what exercises will help strengthen your affected leg.

We hope this leaflet helps to answer some of the questions you may have. If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to your surgeon and / or physiotherapist.

What is the meniscus? 

The meniscus is a C shaped structure, within both sides of the knee. It acts as a shock absorber, and its main role is to protect the bone.

The ACL is a tough band of tissue that runs diagonally within the knee. It helps to prevent:

• forward movement; and

• twisting of the tibia (shin bone) on the femur (thigh bone).

Also, with the help of your muscles, the ACL provides most of the knee’s stability.

When you get home and for the first few days after your surgery 

A meniscal repair is usually carried out as a day case, under a general anaesthetic (you are asleep for the procedure). General anaesthetic can temporarily affect your co-ordination and reasoning skills. For 48 hours after your surgery, do not:

• drink alcohol

• operate heavy machinery; or

• sign legal documents.

When will I be able to walk on my operated leg?

After your operation, your surgeon will:

• determine your weight bearing status; and

• decide whether you need to wear a brace.

They will decide the type of brace and how long you need to wear it for. You must wear the brace under your clothing at all times. Only remove the brace when you are washing yourself.

• Full weight bearing (FWB). You can put all your weight on your operated leg.

• Partial weight bearing (PWB). You can put limited weight on your operated leg, as determined by surgeon.

• Non-weight bearing (NWB). You must not put any weight on your operated leg.

Your weight bearing status is: ___________________________________________

Your physiotherapist will give you instructions after your surgery. They will also provide you with a pair of crutches and show you how to use them.

Please return the crutches to the hospital when they are no longer needed.

How do I look after my dressing?

Follow this advice, unless told otherwise by your doctor or ward staff.

• Remove the crepe bandages 48 to 72 hours after your surgery.

• The gauze dressing can remain on your knee for 2 weeks, if clean and dry until your wound review.

• Ward staff will tell you whether you have stitches or dissolvable sutures. They will also explain how they should be managed.

My knee hurts and is swelling, is this normal?

Yes. It is normal to feel some pain and swelling of your knee following your operation.

• Continue to take pain relief as prescribed / advised.

• To reduce swelling, elevate (raise) your leg when resting.

• Once the crepe bandage has been removed, place an ice pack on your knee for 15 minutes every hour. The ice will help control the swelling. You can use an ice pack, or a pack of frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel.

  Caution: ice can cause burns. Do not put it directly on your skin, always use a towel. Please note that once defrosted do not eat the peas.

• Excessive swelling may mean that you are doing too much. Do not stop walking or doing the exercises, just change how many you do.

When can I drive again?

When you can drive again depends on your weight bearing status / brace.

If fully weight bearing you should be able to drive for short periods of time 7 to 14 days after your operation. However, this will depend on:

• whether your knee is pain free; and

• you have enough strength to control the foot pedals and make an emergency stop.

Do not drive if you are wearing a brace.

Contact your car insurance company to discuss this in more detail.

When can I return to work?

This depends on your weight bearing status / brace, and your job.

• If you have a desk job you can return to work quickly.

• If you have a manual job you may need more time off.

If you have any concerns, please speak to your consultant and / or physiotherapist for advice.

Will I have a follow-up appointment at the hospital?

Yes. You will have a follow-up appointment with your consultant. The appointment is usually 2 to 6 weeks after your operation.

You will be referred for outpatient physiotherapy. This will start 2 to 6 weeks after your operation. When you start physiotherapy depends on your weight bearing status / brace.

When can I start playing sports again?

This will depend on the sport. Your outpatient physiotherapist and consultant will advise you on this.

Advice for going up and down stairs using crutches

If you are able to weight bear, please go up and down stairs one step at a time. If possible, use one crutch and one rail / bannister, as this is always safer.

• Going up and down stairs using one crutch 

1. 
   Lead with your good leg.
2. 
   Bring the crutch and operated leg up to meet your good leg.
3. 
   The crutch and your operated leg go down to the step first.
4. 
   Follow with your good leg.

• Going up and down stairs using two crutches

1. 
   Lead with your good leg.
2. 
   Bring the crutches and your operated leg up to meet your good leg.
3. 
   The crutches and your operated leg go down to the step first.
4. 
   Followed by your good leg.

If you are NWB, you will not be able to weight bear through your operated leg. Instead, you will have to hop up and down stairs using one or two crutches. Your physiotherapist will practice this with you.

Physiotherapy exercises following meniscal repair

• The exercises you can do following your operation will depend on your weight bearing status / brace.

• Your physiotherapist will teach you the exercises before you leave hospital.

• Only complete the ticked exercises 3 times daily.

What if I have any queries or concerns when I return home?

If you have any queries or you have increased pain after surgery, please contact one of the following and speak to a member of staff.

• Elective Orthopaedic Centre Pre-assessment, Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Canterbury
  Telephone: 01227 783114

• Invicta Ward, Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Canterbury
  Telephone: 01227 866392

Please remember that each patient is individual and will recover differently. Your progress largely depends on how much effort you put in. Self-motivation is crucial to achieve the best outcome.

When no longer needed, please return your crutches to the Elective Orthopaedic Centre at Kent and Canterbury Hospital.

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