After the surgical period for the meniscus. Meniscus arthroscopy: indications, course, recovery after. Stages of conservative treatment

Thanks to the development of modern medicine, removal of the meniscus (recovery after surgery takes about 3 months) does not affect the functionality of the musculoskeletal system. For athletes who have had a meniscus removed, rehabilitation will be somewhat easier, but this does not mean that ordinary people will not be able to return to their normal lives. In the postoperative period, of course, you will have to give up any strength loads.

The first three weeks will be the most difficult because the patient will not be able to fully move. However, if you follow all the surgeon’s recommendations, after 4 weeks you will be able to lead a normal lifestyle - go to work, walk with your child, and even do morning exercises.

Postoperative period

Full recovery will occur within a few months. First, doctors will take a set of measures to reduce swelling, relieve pain and restore the necessary range of motion. In a hospital setting, the patient will undergo electrical stimulation of the quadriceps femoris muscle.

Artramot is a device designed for early restoration of the knee joint

This procedure is necessary to restore stability to the knee joint. There will also be a course of massage aimed at reducing pain and swelling.

In some clinics, rehabilitation after removal involves passive development of the operated joint. It is carried out using manual therapy or a special device - artramot. This device is a robotic splint that flexes and extends the knee joint within doctor-recommended limits. In addition, a set of individually selected exercises is prescribed to maintain muscle tone. Taken together, these measures can speed up recovery by 1-2 weeks.

Possible consequences of surgery

Traumatologists warn that the consequence of meniscus removal may be a number of complications associated with the use of anesthesia. Epidural anesthesia is quite popular now. However, it is not recommended for use by people suffering from neurological diseases and congenital disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, before choosing a method of pain relief, it is necessary to consult an anesthesiologist. It should also be taken into account that some patients may not tolerate anesthesia due to a weak cardiovascular system and a tendency to allergic reactions.

Often after removal of the meniscus, damage to the nerves in the area of the operated joint is observed. They manifest themselves as numbness or, conversely, the appearance of chills, a sensation as if goosebumps are running down the knee. This complication goes away on its own within two weeks after surgery. However, at first the patient will feel discomfort, which, unfortunately, cannot be relieved by using medications.

Also, after surgery to remove the meniscus, damage to blood vessels, accumulation of blood in the joint cavity, or thromboelic complications are possible. But, judging by statistics, these complications are quite rare. More often, arthritis develops due to infection entering the cavity of the operated joint. Arthritis manifests itself in the form of redness, swelling and pain in the joints, which aggravates the general condition of the patient. Therefore, in the postoperative period, the doctor will definitely prescribe antibiotics to prevent possible consequences of infectious genesis.

Basic rehabilitation measures

To ensure that removal of the meniscus of the knee joint (the consequences of the operation can be avoided by choosing a good clinic) does not affect the patient’s future performance, it is necessary to take a responsible approach to recovery. It is known that a dense scar forms closer to 6 weeks after surgery. During this period, it is necessary to develop the limb under the supervision of a physiotherapist. First, a set of measures is carried out to restore normal gait, then they begin to give strength loads. Until this period, traumatologists categorically prohibit walking without support - crutches.

Popular exercises after meniscus removal include:

extension-flexion movements in the ankle joint and toes;
isometric tension in the quadriceps femoris muscle;
fixation of the knee joint in extension or flexion;
raising and lowering a limb.

Each exercise should be discussed with a physiotherapist or sports doctor. In just 1.5 months you will be able to squat, rise on your toes, and walk up the stairs. And after 2 months, doctors recommend cycling, running, jumping, swimming and squats with alternating loads on one leg to fully restore the previous physical form.

Sports rehabilitation

Athletes return to training fairly quickly thanks to the use of alternative techniques. For the purpose of rapid rehabilitation, strength training equipment is used that is designed to train all muscle groups, including the muscles of the operated limb. The most popular exercise machine of this type is a bicycle ergometer. Also used are exercises in the pool, which consist of walking on water, special exercises to completely eliminate the finishing effects of contracture, crawl style swimming on the back and chest for 30-35 minutes.

At the last stages of recovery, running on a treadmill, receiving and passing a soccer ball, as well as simulation exercises according to your sport are used. Thanks to active training, athletes, on average, return to their previous shape within 2 months after surgery. Provided that all recommendations are followed, the functional indicators of the operated limb will correspond to those of the healthy leg.

In general, the medical prognosis is favorable for everyone. A removed meniscus cannot cause gait disturbance if the patient undergoes an adequate recovery course in time.

On the meniscus, you hear it quite often. It is difficult to answer this unequivocally. Reviews from people who have experienced various problems with this organ indicate some caution before surgery, so they sought conservative treatment methods. In order to more fully cover the topic of the need for surgical intervention, you need to understand what the meniscus is.

What are knee menisci?

Cartilage pads, which are a kind of shock absorbers and stabilizers, as well as increases its mobility and flexibility, are called menisci of the knee joint. If the joint moves, the meniscus will compress and change its shape.

The knee joint includes two menisci - the medial or internal and the lateral or external. They are connected to each other by a transverse ligament in front of the joint.

A feature of the external meniscus is its greater mobility, which is why its incidence of injury is higher. The internal meniscus is not so mobile, it depends on the internal one. Therefore, if it is injured, then this ligament is also damaged. In this case, knee surgery on the meniscus is necessary.

Causes of various meniscus injuries

So why do they get damaged, and in what cases is knee meniscus surgery necessary?

Injuries that are accompanied by movement of the lower leg in different directions lead to rupture of the cartilage pad.
The meniscus can be damaged (surgery and other methods will be discussed below) in case of excessive extension of the joint during adduction and abduction of the tibia.
Ruptures are possible due to direct impact on the joint, for example, from a blow from a moving object, hitting a step, or falling on the knee.
With repeated direct bruises, chronic trauma to the meniscus may occur, which can result in a rupture during a sharp turn.
Changes in the menisci can occur in certain diseases, such as rheumatism, gout, chronic intoxication (especially in those people whose work involves prolonged standing or walking), and chronic microtrauma.

Meniscus treatment methods, reviews

Surgery is not indicated in all cases, since damage to this tissue can vary. There are several ways to restore the functionality of the meniscus. For this purpose, physiotherapeutic procedures are carried out, various medications are used, and traditional medicine recipes are also used.

Many patients choose more conservative methods, as evidenced by their reviews. But they also note the risk of losing time for recovery. When, instead of carrying out the operation that was recommended by specialists, they chose physiotherapy or treatment with folk remedies, it only got worse. In such cases, an operation was still performed, but it was more complex and with a long recovery period. Therefore, it sometimes happens that knee surgery on the meniscus is inevitable. In what cases is it prescribed?

When is knee meniscus surgery prescribed?

When the meniscus is crushed.
If there is a rupture and displacement. The body of the meniscus is characterized by circulatory insufficiency, therefore, in the event of a rupture, there is no question of independent healing. In this case, partial or complete resection of the cartilage is indicated.
In case of hemorrhage into the joint cavity, surgery is also indicated. Reviews from patients indicate fairly rapid rehabilitation in this case.
When the body and horns of the meniscus are completely torn off.

What types of manipulations are used?

Surgeries are performed to stitch together or partially remove the cartilage. Sometimes surgery to remove the meniscus of the knee joint occurs for the purpose of transplanting this organ. In this case, part of the damaged cartilage is removed and replaced with a graft. This is not a very dangerous surgical intervention, although some patients, according to their reviews, were afraid to resort to transplants. After such manipulation there are few risks, since donor or artificial menisci take root without any problems. The only disadvantage in this situation is long-term rehabilitation. On average, it takes 3-4 months for the transplant to survive successfully. After this, the person’s performance is gradually restored. Anyone who does not want to waste so much time on rehabilitation resorts to radical methods of restoring his torn cartilage.

Recently, medicine has reached such a level that it is possible to save even a torn meniscus. To do this, it is necessary not to delay the operation and, in a calm state, with properly organized treatment, spend at least a month in rehabilitation. Proper nutrition also plays a role here. Feedback from patients can be found to be opposite: some are inclined to replace cartilage with donor or artificial cartilage, while others prefer their own. But in these two cases, a positive result is possible only with the right approach to rehabilitation after surgery.

Application of knee arthroscopy

With arthroscopy, the surgeon can see most of the structures inside, comparable to a hinge, which is formed by the end sections of the tibia and femur. The surfaces of these bones adjacent to the joint have a smooth cartilaginous covering, thanks to which they can slide when the joint moves. Normally, this cartilage is white, smooth and elastic, three to four millimeters in thickness. Arthroscopy can identify many problems, including those of the knee. Surgery using arthroscopic technique will help solve this problem. After it, the person will be able to move fully again. Patients note that today this is the best procedure for restoring the function of the knee joint.

Knee meniscus surgery - duration

During arthroscopy, the Arthroscope and the instruments used in this procedure are inserted through small holes into the joint cavity, allowing the doctor to examine, remove or stitch together the tissues inside the joint. The image through the arthroscope appears on the monitor. The joint is filled with liquid, which makes it possible to see everything quite clearly. The entire procedure lasts no more than 1-2 hours.

According to statistics, among all knee joint injuries, half are due to damage to the meniscus of the knee joint. The operation makes the patient feel better and relieves swelling. But, patients note, the result of this procedure is not always predictable. It all depends on the looseness or attrition of the cartilage.

Rehabilitation during treatment with conservative methods, reviews

Rehabilitation is required not only after meniscus surgery, but also as a result of any treatment for this cartilage. Conservative treatment involves two months of rehabilitation with the following recommendations:

Apply cold compresses.
Devote time every day to physical therapy and gymnastics.
The use of anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs.

Rehabilitation after surgery

Slightly different recovery requirements involve surgery on the meniscus of the knee joint. Rehabilitation in this case requires a little more effort, as patients note. This is due to the fact that there was more serious penetration through other tissues of the body. To recover after surgery you will need:

Initially, it is necessary to walk with support so as not to load the joint - this can be a cane or crutches, the duration of use of which is determined by the doctor.
After this, the load on the joint increases slightly - movement occurs with the load distributed on the joints of the legs. This occurs 2-3 weeks after the operation.
Then independent walking is allowed with orthoses - special joint fixators.
After 6-7 weeks, it is necessary to begin therapeutic exercises.

Postoperative complications

What negative consequences can be left behind by surgery on the meniscus of the knee joint? Reviews indicate that postoperative complications are rare, but they still happen.

The most common infection is intra-articular infection. It can get into the joint if the rules of asepsis and antisepsis are not followed. An existing purulent focus in the joint can also lead to infection.
Damage to cartilage, menisci and ligaments also occurs. There have been cases of surgical instruments breaking inside the joint.
If you approach rehabilitation after surgery on the knee joint incorrectly, it can become stiff, even leading to ankylosis.
Other complications include thromboembolism, gas and fat emboli, fistulas, adhesions, nerve damage, hemarthrosis, osteomyelitis, and sepsis.

Exercising after surgery

Professional athletes try to return to activities as quickly as possible after a meniscus injury and surgery. With a specially developed rehabilitation program, this can be achieved within 2 months, they note. For quick recovery, strength machines (bicycle ergometers), swimming pool exercises, certain exercises, and so on are used. When rehabilitation comes to an end, you can run on a treadmill, pass a ball, or imitate exercises related to a particular sport. Reviews from such patients indicate difficulties in rehabilitation in this way, since it is always difficult to treat a diseased joint. But after hard work and patience, you can achieve good and quick results.

Proper rehabilitation after surgery on the meniscus of the knee joint leads to a complete recovery. The doctors' prognosis is favorable.

Any surgical intervention aims to restore the functioning of various organs or parts of the body. The knee, despite the fairly high wear resistance and protection of the joint, is quite often subject to injuries and diseases that require surgical correction. The most common surgical methods for treating the knee include reconstructive surgery on the meniscus. An important part of such therapy is rehabilitation, on which the outcome of the operation largely depends.

The role of rehabilitation after surgery

After any surgery to repair a meniscus tear, additional specific treatment is required. In fact, surgery is only one of the stages of knee recovery, after which it is extremely important to choose effective methods of rehabilitation.

Often, immediately after surgical procedures, swelling occurs, as well as severe pain in the operated knee, accompanied by an inflammatory process. This reaction is explained by damage to nerve endings and blood vessels during injury or during surgery. Pain and swelling prevent movement of the limb, which is associated with fear or involuntary protection of the joint. As a result, the development of contractures and signs of arthrosis is observed. However, all restoration measures do not bring results.

Therefore, proper rehabilitation after surgery is so important, which should

eliminate swelling and pain; accelerate tissue fusion; normalize the secretion of joint fluid; restore the range of motion abilities of the knee.

Typically, rehabilitation consists of a set of measures, including:

drug therapy;
physiotherapeutic procedures;
specific therapeutic exercises.

The rehabilitation specialist decides which rehabilitation measures to use based on the type of intervention and the patient’s body’s reaction to the procedures performed.

Activities in the early postoperative period

Typically, early rehabilitation is carried out in the hospital immediately after surgery.

Early recovery has several goals, including:

relieving inflammatory reactions; reduction of pain; restoration of damaged tissues; prevention of muscle atrophy and contractures; improvement of local blood supply.

The operated limb is provided with rest for a certain period, for which the knee is immobilized.

To eliminate negative symptoms, medications are used. Doctors prescribe nonsteroidal medications that must be taken until the inflammatory reactions disappear. Injections of analgesics may be used to relieve pain.

If fluid accumulates in a joint, a puncture must be performed to remove the intra-articular pressure that causes pain. To prevent the development of infectious processes, especially after open operations, antibacterial drugs are used.

To restore damaged cartilage tissue, which provoked a meniscus tear, you need to use chondroprotectors. These drugs are prescribed to be taken immediately after surgery with a fairly long period of therapy. There are quite a lot of effective chonroprotectors in the form of Teraflex, Dona, Arthra, Elbona, Chondrolone. However, you need to take such medications for at least 3 months and repeat the courses periodically. Doctors believe that after operations it is better to use injections of chondroprotectors. This will speed up the process of cartilage tissue regeneration.

During this period, you can do absorbable physiotherapeutic procedures. To prevent muscle atrophy, rehabilitators select light exercise therapy exercises. When the joint is immobilized, gymnastics are performed for the muscle tissues of the thigh and foot. Add exercises of impulsive forced contractions of muscle tissue under the splint.

Video

Video - Recovery after meniscus surgery

Activities of the late rehabilitation period

Late rehabilitation begins after the sutures are removed and the immobilization of the knee joint is eliminated, which usually coincides with discharge from the clinic in the absence of postoperative complications.

The patient is prescribed to take painkillers if necessary. The course of chondroprotector therapy started at the clinic continues.

Restoration of knee functionality occurs more intensively. Doctors recommend increasing the load on the joint in stages. The volume of physical activity is determined by the appearance of mild pain. This complex should last about 20 minutes and be repeated three times a day. Once the complex is fully mastered and pain disappears, the range of motion of the knee joint is corrected. You can gradually increase the distance and period of walking, introduce exercises with a ball, as well as on exercise machines.

Allowed to practice on:

exercise bikes; steppes; stabilizers; leg press; Biodex simulator; with elastic bands or shells; water treadmills.

With permission from doctors, you can move on to play sports and swimming in the pool.

The set of exercises includes:

active movements of various types using safety nets; squats with weights; walking with feet rolling backwards; exercises to develop endurance and balance.

Recovery is complemented by massage. It should be borne in mind that after any operation to remove the meniscus, as well as if a resection was performed or the tear was stitched, it is prohibited to massage the joint. Such manipulations can cause damage to the joint capsule and incompletely restored tissues. The massage is performed on the lower leg and thigh area. This helps ensure blood flow and accelerate regeneration.

At this stage of rehabilitation, it is advisable to add reflexology, laser and magnetic therapy, and ultrasound procedures. You can make applications with paraffin and ozokerite.

If possible, it is advisable to undergo late rehabilitation in a specialized sanatorium, where all conditions are created for the restoration of the knee after surgery according to special programs under the strict supervision of narrow specialists.

Terms of rehabilitation

The duration of knee joint recovery directly depends on the type of surgery performed to treat the meniscus and the severity of the damage.

Repair of ruptures

If it happens to the meniscus, then in most cases it is eliminated by stitching. This operation is performed arthroscopically. The patient stays in the clinic for no more than a couple of days during arthroscopy. Outpatient treatment can last from a week to three.

A favorable outcome of surgery to repair a rupture depends on compliance with rehabilitation recommendations,

Which is built according to a certain scheme:

On the second day the patient is allowed to walk using support. The volume of the load must be determined by the doctor.

Orthosis for fixing the knee during rehabilitation

For three weeks, the patient is recommended to move with the help of crutches. It is forbidden to allow the operated limb to bend more than 90 degrees. From the fourth to the sixth week, you must wear an orthosis; you can try to bend the limb. Until the eighth week, the orthosis is used both during walking and during gymnastics. After the eighth week, walking without support is allowed. After approximately six months, sometimes 4 months, physical activity is allowed, as well as some sports at the doctor’s discretion. If the gap was stitched, complete recovery is observed after 9 months. In some cases this period is a year.

Meniscectomy

If meniscus resection was performed, rehabilitation is surprisingly faster than repairing a stitched tear.

The phased terms, of course, are regulated by the doctor.

But on average they correspond to accepted standards:

From the third day, available exercises begin to be performed to prevent contractures and muscle atrophy. The complex is developed individually and is constantly adjusted. On the eighth day the sutures are removed. Until the end of the third week, the knee is not loaded, and movement is carried out with the help of crutches. After this, the patient is discharged and rehabilitation continues at home. On average, the operated patient can begin work in the fifth to seventh week. After a couple of months, or at most three, you are allowed to play sports.

The timing of complete recovery may vary due to non-compliance with rehabilitation recommendations and the occurrence of complications.

The question of in what situations is knee surgery on the meniscus needed is heard quite often. It is difficult to answer this unequivocally. Reviews from people who have experienced various problems with this organ indicate some caution before surgery, so they sought conservative treatment methods. In order to more fully cover the topic of the need for surgical intervention, you need to understand what the meniscus is.

What are knee menisci?

The knee joint includes two menisci - the medial or internal and the lateral or external. They are connected to each other by a transverse ligament in front of the joint.

A feature of the external meniscus is its greater mobility, which is why its incidence of injury is higher. The internal meniscus is not as mobile, it depends on the internal collateral ligament. Therefore, if he is injured, then this ligament is also damaged. In this case, knee surgery on the meniscus is necessary.

Causes of various meniscus injuries

So why do they get damaged, and in what cases is knee meniscus surgery necessary?

Injuries that are accompanied by movement of the lower leg in different directions lead to rupture of the cartilage lining. The meniscus of the knee joint can be damaged (treatment, surgery and other methods will be discussed below) in case of excessive extension of the joint during adduction and abduction of the lower leg. Ruptures are possible with direct impact on the joint, for example, from being hit by a moving object, hitting a step or falling on the knee. If a repeated direct injury occurs, chronic trauma to the meniscus may occur, as a result of which a rupture may occur during a sharp turn. Changes in the menisci can occur with certain diseases, such as rheumatism, gout, chronic intoxication (especially in those people whose work involves prolonged standing or walking), with chronic microtraumas.

Meniscus treatment methods, reviews

When is knee meniscus surgery prescribed?

When the meniscus is crushed. If there is a rupture and displacement of it. The body of the meniscus is characterized by circulatory insufficiency, therefore, in the event of a rupture, there is no question of independent healing. In this case, partial or complete resection of the cartilage is indicated. In case of hemorrhage into the joint cavity, surgery on the meniscus of the knee joint is also indicated. Reviews from patients indicate fairly rapid rehabilitation in this case. When the body and horns of the meniscus are completely torn off.

What types of manipulations are used?

Application of knee arthroscopy

With arthroscopy, the surgeon can see most of the structures inside the knee joint. The knee joint can be compared to a hinge, which is formed by the end sections of the tibia and femur. The surfaces of these bones adjacent to the joint have a smooth cartilaginous covering, thanks to which they can slide when the joint moves. Normally, this cartilage is white, smooth and elastic, three to four millimeters in thickness. Arthroscopy can detect many problems, including a torn meniscus in the knee. Surgery using arthroscopic technique will help solve this problem. After it, the person will be able to move fully again. Patients note that today this is the best procedure for restoring the function of the knee joint.

Knee meniscus surgery - duration

During arthroscopy, surgical instruments are inserted into the joint cavity through small holes. The arthroscope and instruments used in this procedure allow the doctor to examine, remove, or stitch together the tissue inside the joint. The image through the arthroscope appears on the monitor. The joint is filled with liquid, which makes it possible to see everything quite clearly. The entire procedure lasts no more than 1-2 hours.

Rehabilitation during treatment with conservative methods, reviews

Make cold compresses. Devote time to physical therapy and gymnastics every day. Use anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs.

Rehabilitation after surgery

Slightly different recovery requirements involve surgery on the meniscus of the knee joint. Rehabilitation in this case requires a little more effort, as patients note. This is due to the fact that there was more serious damage to the meniscus, as well as penetration through other tissues of the body. To recover after surgery you will need:

Initially, it is necessary to walk with support so as not to load the joint - this can be a cane or crutches, the duration of use of which is determined by the doctor. After this, the load on the joint increases slightly - movement occurs with the load distributed on the joints of the legs. This occurs 2-3 weeks after the operation. Then independent walking is allowed with orthoses - special joint fixators. After 6-7 weeks, it is necessary to begin therapeutic exercises.

Postoperative complications

What negative consequences can be left behind by surgery on the meniscus of the knee joint? Reviews indicate that postoperative complications are rare, but they still happen.

The most common infection is intra-articular infection. It can get into the joint if the rules of asepsis and antisepsis are not followed. An existing purulent focus in the joint can also lead to infection. Damage to cartilage, menisci and ligaments can also occur. There have been cases of breakage of surgical instruments inside the joint. If you approach rehabilitation after surgery on the knee joint incorrectly, its stiffness, even ankylosis, is possible. Other complications include thromboembolism, gas and fat emboli, fistulas, adhesions, nerve damage, hemarthrosis, osteomyelitis , sepsis.

Exercising after surgery

Proper rehabilitation after surgery on the meniscus of the knee joint leads to a complete recovery. The doctors' prognosis is favorable.

The meniscus is the cartilaginous layer of the knee joint, which is located between the surfaces of the tibia and femur. The meniscus acts as a stabilizer and shock absorber. But under certain loads, especially when playing sports, it may rupture.

Such knee injuries occur quite often. They account for 75% of all closed knee injuries.

Restoring the meniscus after injury is possible through surgery (arthroscopy), during which the tissue is stitched together with a special thread. If this method is not suitable for some reason, resection is resorted to. Sometimes, to eliminate the gap, joint replacement is performed, replacing it with an implant that assumes the function of the meniscus.

The essence of arthroscopy is to perform two punctures of the knee joint, which are made using special video equipment.

Rehabilitation after surgery consists of a whole complex, including physiotherapy and therapeutic exercises.

The length of the recovery period depends on the nature of the injury and the extent of the rupture.

Exercises for recovery after knee arthroscopy

If partial or complete resection of the meniscus was performed through arthroscopy, rehabilitation should begin within 7 days after surgery.

If at the time of the injury there was a rupture of the ligaments or resection of the meniscus was carried out using the usual open method, rehabilitation exercises will have to be postponed, since in this situation the knee needs rest for some time.

Physical exercises cannot be introduced immediately and after suturing the edges of the meniscus.

First they must grow together, and only then the knee can be given loads. Rehabilitation after surgery can take up to 7 weeks. More precisely, the recovery period depends on the individual characteristics of the body.

Initial recovery

Early rehabilitation after arthroscopy has the following goals:

Strengthens the thigh muscles to stabilize the knee. Elimination of inflammation and normalization of blood circulation in the knee joint. Limitation of range of motion.

Recovery exercises are carried out in different starting positions:

Standing on your good leg. Sitting, easily straightening the sore leg. There should be a cushion under the heel. Lying down, straining your thigh muscles for 5-10 seconds.

Important! Any exercises after an injury or tear of the meniscus of the knee joint can only be performed with the approval of the attending physician. Moreover, as a result of the operation, there should be no effusion or blood in the joint.

Further recovery

The tasks of late rehabilitation include:

Formation of normal gait and restoration of motor function lost due to injury. When a contracture forms, its elimination is necessary. Strengthening the knee muscles.

Exercises in the pool or gym are good for this. Walking and cycling are very beneficial.

A set of health exercises

Walking backwards. It is advisable to perform this exercise on a treadmill. The patient must hold on to the handrails. The driving speed should not exceed 1.5 km/h. It is necessary to achieve full straightening of the leg. Squats with a ball. In the initial “standing” position, the patient should lean back a little. There is a ball between the lower back and the wall. You need to perform squats, reaching an angle of 90. You should not sit lower, otherwise the load on the joint will be excessive. Exercise with a 2-meter rubber band. The tape is fixed on one side to a stationary object, and on the other to the healthy leg. By swinging to the side, you train the muscles of both legs at once. Gymnastics on a steppe (a small platform used for aerobics). If little time has passed after the operation, use a low step. Gradually the height should be increased. When performing descents and ascents, it is necessary to ensure that the shin does not deviate to the side. Ideally, this can be controlled in the mirror. Balance training is performed using an oscillating platform. For the patient, the main task is to maintain balance. Jumps on the leg, which are first performed over a drawn line and later over a bench. This exercise trains muscle strength and coordination of movements. Jumps can be performed on the steppe or on a flat surface. For greater efficiency, you need to jump both sideways and straight. When performing actions on an exercise bike, you need to make sure that your leg is straightened at the lowest point.

Physiotherapeutic procedures

In the postoperative period, physiotherapy is aimed at improving metabolism and blood circulation in the tissues of the knee and accelerating regeneration processes. In this regard, massage, magnetic therapy, laser therapy, and electrical muscle stimulation are effective.

Massage should be done for swelling and loss of mobility in the knee joint. The patient must learn to perform massage independently in order to carry out this procedure in any free time, several times a day.

The joint itself should not be massaged during the rehabilitation period. All other physical procedures are carried out in the clinic.

Surgical meniscus repair

The meniscus plays an important role in the functioning of the knee joint. Therefore, they do not completely remove it, but try to preserve healthy tissue as much as possible, which is exactly how meniscus surgery is performed. In medicine, there are two methods of surgically restoring the meniscus: suturing and prosthetics.

The first method is used for linear breaks, if no more than 7 days have passed since the injury. It is advisable to apply a suture only in areas of good blood supply. Otherwise, the tissue will never heal, and after a while the injury will recur.

Meniscus endoprosthetics using special polymer plates is performed quite rarely. It is most often prescribed when most of the cartilage has been removed and there has been extensive destruction of the joint. In addition, there is the possibility of transplanting fresh frozen donor tissue.

To summarize, I would like to remind all people that if you have a knee injury, you must immediately contact a traumatologist. The doctor will determine the nature of the damage and prescribe adequate treatment.

Performing simple exercises to restore meniscus function will very soon help you forget about the sad incident and return the patient to his former active life.

The role of rehabilitation after surgery

Therefore, proper rehabilitation after surgery is so important, which should

eliminate swelling and pain;
accelerate tissue fusion;
normalize the secretion of joint fluid;
restore the range of motion abilities of the knee.

Typically, rehabilitation consists of a set of measures, including:

The rehabilitation specialist decides which rehabilitation measures to use based on the type of intervention and the patient’s body’s reaction to the procedures performed.

Activities in the early postoperative period

Typically, early rehabilitation is carried out in the hospital immediately after surgery.

Early recovery has several goals, including:

relieving inflammatory reactions;
reduction of pain;
restoration of damaged tissues;
prevention of muscle atrophy and contractures;
improvement of local blood supply.

The operated limb is provided with rest for a certain period, for which the knee is immobilized.

To restore damaged cartilage tissue, which provoked a meniscus tear, you need to use chondroprotectors. These drugs are prescribed to be taken immediately after surgery with a fairly long period of therapy. There are quite a lot of effective chonroprotectors in the form Teraflexa, Dona, Arthra, Elbona, Chondrolona. However, you need to take such medications for at least 3 months and repeat the courses periodically. Doctors believe that after operations it is better to use injections of chondroprotectors. This will speed up the process of cartilage tissue regeneration.

Video

Video - Recovery after meniscus surgery

Activities of the late rehabilitation period

Late rehabilitation begins after the stitches are removed and eliminated, which usually, in the absence of postoperative complications, coincides with discharge from the clinic.

The patient is prescribed to take painkillers if necessary. The course of chondroprotector therapy started at the clinic continues.

Allowed to practice on:

exercise bikes;
steppes;
stabilizers;
leg press;
Biodex simulator;
with elastic bands or shells;
water treadmills.

With permission from doctors, you can move on to play sports and swimming in the pool.

The set of exercises includes:

active movements of various types using safety nets;
squats with weights;
walking with feet rolling backwards;
exercises to develop endurance and balance.

Recovery is complemented by massage. It should be borne in mind that after any surgery, as well as if a resection was performed or a tear was stitched, it is prohibited to massage the joint. Such manipulations can cause damage to the joint capsule and incompletely restored tissues. The massage is performed on the lower leg and thigh area. This helps ensure blood flow and accelerate regeneration.

At this stage of rehabilitation, it is advisable to add reflexology, laser and magnetic therapy, and ultrasound procedures. You can make applications with paraffin and ozokerite.

Terms of rehabilitation

The duration of knee joint recovery directly depends on the type of surgery performed to treat the meniscus and the severity of the damage.

Repair of ruptures

A favorable outcome of surgery to repair a rupture depends on compliance with rehabilitation recommendations,

which is built according to a certain scheme:

Meniscectomy

If meniscus resection was performed, rehabilitation is surprisingly faster than repairing a stitched tear.

The phased terms, of course, are regulated by the doctor.

But on average they correspond to accepted standards:

From the third day, available exercises begin to be performed to prevent contractures and muscle atrophy. The complex is developed individually and is constantly adjusted.
On the eighth day the sutures are removed.
Until the end of the third week, the knee is not loaded, and movement is carried out with the help of crutches.
After this, the patient is discharged and rehabilitation continues at home.
On average, the operated patient can begin work in the fifth to seventh week.
After a couple of months, or at most three, you are allowed to play sports.

The timing of complete recovery may vary due to non-compliance with rehabilitation recommendations and the occurrence of complications.

Find out what the periods are during the recovery of the meniscus after a tear and how physical therapy is carried out for quick rehabilitation.

The content of the article:

The knee joint is highly susceptible to injury. One of the most common injuries is a torn meniscus. Moreover, it is not necessary to play sports, because any awkward movement can cause such an injury. The main goal of therapy in the treatment of this type of injury is the removal of damaged cartilage tissue, as well as the suppression of pain. During the rehabilitation period, restorative physical training after a ruptured meniscus of the knee joint is extremely important.

The importance of a complex of therapeutic exercises for meniscus injury

Functional and then morphological changes in the knee joint occur not only at the time of the injury itself, but during prolonged immobilization of the limb during therapy. When an injury has been sustained, swelling often appears on the skin, which may also be a consequence of subsequent complications. In addition, when the meniscus ruptures, interstitial pressure increases and the normal functioning of nerve endings is disrupted.

Since myoreceptors are constantly exposed to irritation, the effect of hypertonicity of muscle tissue appears. Prolonged irritation of the receptors located on the tendons leads to a sharp inhibition of motor function. Properly conducted restorative physical training after a rupture of the meniscus of the knee joint allows you to eliminate congestive processes and contracture of the elements of the joint.

Note that additional difficulties for rapid recovery are created by forced immobilization of the injured limb. It should be remembered that the later rehabilitation exercise is used after a rupture of the menisci of the knee joint, the greater the risk of complications. If a limb is immobilized for a week, the muscles lose 20 percent of their capabilities.

When the period of immobilization is about six weeks, the joint capsule becomes rigid and several times more effort must be expended to perform a simple movement. In turn, after two months of immobilization, about 40 percent of the elasticity of the ligaments is lost, and the functional abilities of the cartilage tissue are also lost. All this suggests that restorative physical training after a rupture of the menisci of the knee joint should be prescribed in the first days of the rehabilitation stage.

The period of immobility after a tear of the meniscus of the knee joint

Immediately after injury, the joint must be immobilized. This will prevent the displacement of damaged tissue, as well as create the most ideal conditions for cartilage fusion. Knee braces and orthoses are used to immobilize the knee joint.

How to suppress pain?

As we noted above, during the period of immobilization of the injured limb, the main task of the therapy is to suppress pain, as well as eliminate swelling and inflammatory processes. To solve this problem, drugs from the corticosteroid group, as well as non-steroidal drugs with anti-inflammatory properties, are excellent. Cooling and analgesic ointments are used as additional means.

Traditional methods are also excellent as painkillers. You can safely use compresses made from onion pulp, burdock, alcohol, and honey. If arthroscopy was performed, then rehabilitation exercise after a ruptured meniscus of the knee joint should be carried out every second day. While the knee joint is immobilized, the following should be done:

General developmental exercises for all muscles of the body.
Stretch healthy limbs.
Isometric exercises for the muscles of the immobilized leg.
Keep the limb in the lowered as well as raised positions.

To enhance peripheral blood flow and eliminate congestion in the immobilized joint, we recommend periodically lowering the leg and then raising it. At this time, restorative physical training after a rupture of the menisci of the knee joint is necessary to prepare the muscles and articular-ligamentous apparatus for the upcoming loads.

The rehabilitation period after a torn meniscus of the knee joint

All exercises included in the complex of rehabilitative physical training after a rupture of the meniscus of the knee joint during the rehabilitation stage should be performed in a gentle manner, and the range of movements and the rate of physical activity should be systematically increased.

The first classes have the main goal of increasing the range of motion. When about 40 percent of the motor capabilities of the knee joint have been restored, it is necessary to introduce exercises into the complex to increase muscle strength. The set of movements must be adjusted by the instructor depending on the characteristics of the patient’s body and his age.

The training program should be created taking into account the main goals of rehabilitation after injury:

Returning a person to normal life.
For amateur sports
To continue a professional sports career.

Rehabilitation physical training after a rupture of the menisci of the knee joint must necessarily include:

Exercises to improve coordination will help restore control over the muscles of the injured limb.
Increased flexibility - as a result, the knee joint will be able to fully extend.
Increasing muscular endurance - special attention should be paid to the quadriceps and the posterior muscles of the lower leg and thigh. They accelerate the process of restoring a person’s supporting abilities.
Increasing strength and stretching - so that the joint can bend at a right angle. Massage is necessary.
Formation of a normal and natural gait.

Exercises included in the rehabilitation physical training complex after a meniscus tear

Now we will bring to your attention an approximate complex of restorative physical training after a torn meniscus of the knee joint.

Warm-up

All exercises must be performed in a lying position.

The hands are joined in a lock and placed on the head. As you inhale, raise your arms vertically up and then return them to the starting position. Three to four repetitions should be performed.
Bend your ankle in the dorsal and plantar directions, and also perform circular movements. The pace is average. You need to do 15 to 18 repetitions.
The medicine ball must be tossed and caught. The number of repetitions ranges from 15 to 18.
Lift the injured and healthy limbs alternately. The exercise is performed in 12–14 repetitions.

Main stage

Take a lying position, resting your elbow joints on the ground, the back of your head and your healthy leg bent at the knee joint. Begin to slowly raise your pelvis as high as possible. Make sure to keep the injured leg on the ground but bend at the knee. The number of repetitions is from 4 to 7.
Press your hands and healthy knee joint into the ground. Begin to lift the injured limb. The number of repetitions ranges from 6 to 9.
From a position on all fours, slowly lower yourself onto your heels. The number of repetitions ranges from 6 to 9.
Sit on a chair and use your toes to grab and then roll various objects. The number of repetitions ranges from 14 to 16.
Lift the medicine ball with your feet. The number of repetitions ranges from 6 to 9.
Gather the towel into folds. The number of repetitions ranges from 5 to 7.
Squat slowly, resting your hands on the edge of the chair. The number of repetitions ranges from 5 to 7.
Stand near the gymnastics ladder and hold the bar at chest level. Start performing rolling movements from heels to toes. The number of repetitions ranges from 13 to 17.
Place the foot of the injured limb on the medicine ball and begin to roll it to the sides.

To control your gait, you need to use crutches. At the final stage of the rehabilitation gymnastics complex, it is necessary to perform breathing and muscle-relaxing movements.

Recovery after a knee meniscus tear

This stage should begin only after all the goals of the previous one have been achieved. Nowadays, rehabilitation physical training after a ruptured meniscus of the knee joint involves performing more complex movements that are as close as possible to natural ones. The patient should start working on exercise machines and perform static-dynamic movements. It is also advisable to include trampoline activities in the complex.

The main goals of this stage are:

Further increase in endurance and muscle strength, which involves the introduction of more complex exercises into the complex.
The knee joint should bend at an angle of 60 degrees.
Increase knee sensitivity through balance exercises.
Further preparation of muscles for normal life.
Returning the muscles to their previous volume.
Formation of the ability to land correctly while jumping.

During this period, we recommend performing the following exercises for different muscle groups.

Groin muscles

Sit on a chair with your knees bent. Start spreading them apart while bringing your heels together. When performing the exercise with your hands, you need to press on your legs.

Flexor muscles

Lie on your back and press your foot against the wall. Start moving it down, bending the knee joint.
The foot of the injured limb must be placed on a chair, while bending the knee joint at a right angle. Start bending forward by bending your knee.

Extensor muscles

A weight must be attached to the ankle of the injured leg. Take a sitting position on the table so that your hips are on its surface and your legs hang freely. Begin to bend/extend your leg, pausing for ten seconds at the end points of the trajectory.
Stand with your back to the wall and, bending your knees, slide down it. At the lowest point of the trajectory, pause for ten counts.
An elastic bandage must be secured between the legs of the chair, and then sit on it. Begin to press the bandage with your foot, moving it back.

Once again I would like to remind you that restorative physical education should be carried out in a timely manner. This is the only way the patient can recover in a short time. Until the knee joint has fully recovered, the leg should not be steamed or taken in hot baths.

For more information on how to train after a meniscus injury, see below: