What happens in a meniscus operation?
The meniscus is a rubbery cushion of cartilage in the knee, and each knee has two. When one tears, the surgeon either trims the damaged part (partial meniscectomy) or stitches the tear back together (repair). Most meniscus operations are done by keyhole surgery, which leaves small cuts.
The two operations lead to different rehab. Our page on meniscus tear explains what happens before surgery, and the guide on surgery or physiotherapy for the knee looks at the choice itself.
Why does the type of operation change the plan?
After a trim, the knee has lost a small piece of cushion but nothing needs to heal. People can usually start moving and putting weight on the leg early, as the surgeon allows. After a repair, the stitched cartilage needs time and protection, so the surgeon may limit bending or weight for a period.
That is why we ask for your operation note and the surgeon’s instructions at the first visit. They tell us what is safe, how fast to progress and what to avoid. We always work inside them.
A key word you will hear is weight-bearing, meaning how much body weight the leg may carry.
What will the physiotherapist work on?
Whatever the operation, the aims are similar. The plan changes with your knee.
- Calming swelling and pain so the knee can move.
- Getting the knee straight and then bending it, within the surgeon’s limits.
- Waking up the thigh muscle that switches off after surgery.
- Walking normally, with or without crutches.
- Strength in the thigh, hip and calf, built up in steps.
- Balance and control on one leg.
- Returning to your own activities, from the market to the badminton hall.
What does a home visit add?
The knee only has to work in your own home, so that is where we practise. We look at your bathroom, the squat toilet, the bed height and the stairs.
In an Ipoh home, there are habits to plan for: sitting on low stools at the kopitiam, squatting in the bathroom, sitting on the floor for family meals or prayers. We show you how to manage each safely, and which to avoid until the surgeon allows. Read our guide on squat toilets and knee pain for ideas, and driving after knee surgery before you go back behind the wheel.
What can I do this week?
Follow the surgeon’s instructions first. Then add small steps.
- Do the exercises on your sheet, at the same times each day.
- Raise the leg when it swells, and rest between short walks.
- Use the crutches or stick as advised, and keep them within reach.
- Avoid deep squatting, twisting on a planted foot and low seats unless the surgeon has cleared them.
- Write down your questions for the next review.
When should you call the surgeon or go to hospital?
Call your surgeon if the wound leaks, the knee is hot, red and very swollen, you have a fever, or the knee locks. Go to the emergency department for chest pain, breathlessness, or a calf that is swollen, hot and painful.
These need a doctor first. Tell us afterwards so we can adjust the plan.
Home visit or Canning Garden centre?
Home visits across Ipoh are available now, and they suit the first stretch of recovery. Our Canning Garden centre near Fatimah Hospital is opening soon, and may suit the later strength stage if you want gym equipment.
Prices differ for home and centre, and we give a quote on WhatsApp after a short description. Read about post-surgical rehabilitation and home physiotherapy.