Meniscus Allograft Transplantation
Phase I (Weeks 0-8)
- Weightbearing:Weeks 0-2: Partial Weightbearing (up to 50%)Weeks 2-6: Advance to WBAT with crutches (d/c crutches at 4 weeks post-op if gait normalized)
- Weeks 0-2: Partial Weightbearing (up to 50%)
- Weeks 2-6: Advance to WBAT with crutches (d/c crutches at 4 weeks post-op if gait normalized)
- Hinged Knee Brace: worn for 6 weeks post-opLocked in full extension for ambulation and sleeping – remove for hygiene (Week 1)Locked in full extension for ambulation– remove for hygiene and sleeping (Week 2)Set to range from 0-90° for ambulation- remove for hygiene and sleeping (Weeks 3-6)Discontinue brace at 6 weeks post-op
- Locked in full extension for ambulation and sleeping – remove for hygiene (Week 1)
- Locked in full extension for ambulation– remove for hygiene and sleeping (Week 2)
- Set to range from 0-90° for ambulation- remove for hygiene and sleeping (Weeks 3-6)
- Discontinue brace at 6 weeks post-op
- Range of Motion – PROM -> AAROM -> AROM as toleratedWeeks 0–2: Non-weightbearing 0-90°Weeks 2–8: Full non-weightbearing ROM as tolerated – progress to flexion angles greater than 90°
- Weeks 0–2: Non-weightbearing 0-90°
- Weeks 2–8: Full non-weightbearing ROM as tolerated – progress to flexion angles greater than 90°
- Therapeutic ExercisesQuadriceps sets, heel slides, straight leg raises, patellar mobilizations, co-contractions (Weeks 0-2)Add heel raises and terminal knee extensions (Weeks 2-8)Activities in brace for first 6 weeks – then without braceNo weightbearing with flexion > 90° during Phase IAvoid tibial rotation for first 8 weeks to protect the meniscal allograft
- Quadriceps sets, heel slides, straight leg raises, patellar mobilizations, co-contractions (Weeks 0-2)
- Add heel raises and terminal knee extensions (Weeks 2-8)
- Activities in brace for first 6 weeks – then without brace
- No weightbearing with flexion > 90° during Phase I
- Avoid tibial rotation for first 8 weeks to protect the meniscal allograft
Phase II (Weeks 8-12)
- Weightbearing: As tolerated
- Range of Motion – Full active ROM
- Therapeutic ExercisesProgress to closed chain extension exercises, begin hamstring strengtheningLunges – 0-90°, Leg press – 0-90° (flexion only)Proprioception exercisesBegin use of the stationary bicycle
- Progress to closed chain extension exercises, begin hamstring strengthening
- Lunges – 0-90°, Leg press – 0-90° (flexion only)
- Proprioception exercises
- Begin use of the stationary bicycle
Phase III (Months 3-6)
- Weightbearing: Full weightbearing with normal gait pattern
- Range of Motion – Full/Painless ROM
- Therapeutic ExercisesContinue with quad and hamstring strengtheningFocus on single-leg strengthBegin jogging/runningPlyometrics and sport-specific drills
- Continue with quad and hamstring strengthening
- Focus on single-leg strength
- Begin jogging/running
- Plyometrics and sport-specific drills
- Gradual return to athletic activity as tolerated (6 months post-op)
- Maintenance program for strength and endurance