After Meniscal Repair: First Two Weeks

By Dr. Shayne Kelly, DO — Fellowship-Trained Sports Medicine Surgeon · Tri-City Orthopedics, Kennewick, WA

The early exercises Dr. Kelly gives his patients for the first weeks after surgery, until physical therapy takes over.

Educational information, not medical advice. This is not a substitute for the specific instructions Dr. Kelly and your physical therapist give you. Your timeline depends on your surgery, your body, and your progress. Follow your own care team’s directions. In an emergency, call 911.

Precautions — read first

Your brace stays LOCKED STRAIGHT at all times. Touch-down weight bearing only: the foot may rest on the floor for balance, but keep your weight on the crutches. Do not bend the knee past 90 degrees, and only work on bending during your therapy sessions unless told otherwise. Ice and elevate for swelling.

Ankle Pumps 10-15 times, every hour while awake

With the leg elevated, pull your toes up toward you, then point them down.

Quad Sets 10-15 times. 2-3 sets, 2-3 times a day

With the leg straight, tighten the muscles on the front of your thigh, pressing the back of the knee down. Hold 5 seconds. Relax.

Straight Leg Raise (brace locked) 10-15 times. 2 sets, 2-3 times a day

With the brace locked straight, tighten the thigh and lift the whole leg about one foot off the bed. Lower slowly.

Heel Slides (to 90 degrees) 10-15 times, 2-3 times a day

Lying on your back, slowly slide your heel toward your buttock, bending the knee only as far as comfortable and never past 90 degrees. Slide back out straight.

When to call

Call Dr. Kelly’s office at (509) 460-5588 for fever over 101°F, increasing redness or drainage at incisions, pain that is worsening instead of improving, or new numbness or tingling. For chest pain or trouble breathing, call 911.

Questions about your recovery?

Dr. Kelly sees patients at Tri-City Orthopedics in Kennewick.

Request an Appointment