Arthroscopic technology is the most advocated minimally invasive surgical method for the treatment of knee injuries, which has the advantages of intuition, precision, small trauma and fast recovery.
The meniscus has an important role in cushioning external forces, stabilizing joints and protecting cartilage from joint degeneration. In the current treatment of meniscal injury, the first consideration is to repair the meniscus with sutures and preserve the intact meniscus as much as possible, and to perform partial or total resection for severe injuries that cannot be repaired. Early postoperative rehabilitation exercises can improve and increase local blood circulation, increase muscle strength, prevent tendon and joint capsule adhesions and contractures, and restore the function of joints and limbs as early as possible. Please carry out the exercises under the guidance of our medical and nursing staff. If there is any discomfort during the exercise process, please consult with the doctor in charge or return to the hospital for review.
(I) Day 1 after surgery
Start to move the toes and ankle dorsiflexion and dorsiextension exercises (30′ interval) and do as many quadriceps isometric exercises as possible without increasing pain, i.e. do leg extension exercises to tighten and relax the thigh muscles, contract 500 times a day, spread out to morning, midday and evening. Hold slowly for 5-10 seconds each time. See the chart below
Start straight leg lifts: 1 set per day, 10-20 times per set, each leg lift lasts 1-3 minutes, see figure below.
After 24 hours postoperatively, you can walk on the ground with the help of crutches, but only for necessary activities such as going to the toilet.
(B) 2-6 days after surgery
1.Continue the quadriceps isometric exercises.
2.Continue straight leg raise exercises, 3 sets per day, 10-20 times per set, each leg raise lasts 1-3 minutes
3.Start posterior leg raise exercise, lying prone (face down), straight leg raise after knee extension until toes are 125px from bed, hold for 5 seconds. 30 times/group, 3-4 groups/day. If pain and swelling are not obvious, you can support single crutch or go down without crutch, but do not encourage more walking, limited to toilet visits.
4.Start single-leg standing balance exercise: 5min/set, 2-3 times/day.
5. Bedside flexion and extension knee exercises: active knee flexion up to 90°. See the figure below
(C) 1 week after surgery
1.Continue the above exercise.
2.Active flexion greater than 90°, can walk short distance without crutches.
3.Increase resistance muscle training as the situation allows.
(IV) 1-6 weeks after surgery
Strengthen mobility and muscle exercises; improve joint control and stability; start to resume daily activities. Care should be taken to control the amount of exercise to avoid joint swelling and fluid accumulation. If the joints feel swollen and hot after the exercises, then ice should be applied in time!
1.Continue to strengthen the above functional exercises.
2.Active flexion 120-130°.
3.No obvious swelling or pain in the joint, then you should walk with a normal gait as much as possible.
4.Resistance knee extension exercise: use sandbag as the load (1kg), if there is joint swelling and pain after the exercise, you can apply ice.
5.Start squatting against the wall: back against the wall, feet shoulder-width apart, toes and knees forward, no “inside and outside eight”, gradually increase the angle of squatting (less than 90°), each time for about 20 seconds, each interval of 5 seconds, 5-10 times / group. 2-3 groups / day.
(E) 6-8 weeks after surgery
1.Can actively flex and extend up to the same as the healthy side, and no pain.
2.Can complete all daily activities. Such as going up and down stairs, riding a bicycle.
3.Start pedaling exercises.
4.Start swimming.
(VI) 2 months-3 months after surgery
Purpose: To fully resume all daily exercises. Strengthen muscle and joint stability, and gradually resume exercise. Attention should be paid to the specific situation to avoid joint damage.
1.Start jogging.
2.Start lateral straddle jump exercises.
3.Athletes begin basic movement exercises in special sports, and wear knee pads for protection when necessary during exercise.
Caution.
It is normal to have pain during the rehabilitation process. If there is persistent swelling, increased skin temperature with fever; or if the joint mobility never progresses, it is necessary to contact the treating physician in time.