From the Guidelines
The non-weightbearing period after a knee scope is typically 2-7 days, as indicated by the most recent and highest quality study 1. The recovery period after a knee arthroscopy can vary, but generally, patients are unable to weight bear for a short period. According to the study published in the BMJ in 2017 1, recovery typically occurs between 2 to 6 weeks, with patients being unable to weight bear for 2-7 days.
Key Points to Consider
- The non-weightbearing period allows for healing of repaired tissues without disruption from mechanical forces.
- The specific duration of non-weightbearing depends on the complexity of the procedure, with simpler procedures potentially allowing for immediate weightbearing and more complex ones requiring longer periods of non-weightbearing.
- Patients typically use assistive devices like crutches during the non-weightbearing period and gradually increase activity as directed by their physical therapist and surgeon.
- It is crucial to follow the surgeon's protocol for optimal healing and recovery, as the restriction on weightbearing is tailored to the individual's procedure and findings during surgery.
Factors Influencing Recovery
- The type of procedure performed during the knee arthroscopy, such as meniscus repairs or cartilage restoration, can significantly impact the non-weightbearing period.
- The patient's overall health and compliance with post-operative instructions also play a role in determining the length of the non-weightbearing period.
Post-Operative Care
- Patients can expect to use crutches initially for support and gradually transition to full weightbearing as comfort allows, usually within 24-48 hours after surgery for basic procedures.
- A physical therapist will guide the patient in gradually increasing activity and strengthening the surrounding muscles to support the knee joint.
From the Research
Non-Weightbearing After Knee Scope
- The duration of non-weightbearing after a knee scope is not explicitly stated in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, study 2 mentions that patients were instructed to be strictly non-weightbearing for a mean duration of 24.3 days, with a range of 7 to 48 days.
- Study 6 discusses postoperative physical therapy protocols following hip arthroscopy, but also mentions weight-bearing status, with most protocols specifying partial weight-bearing with 20 pounds foot flat for a median duration of 3 weeks.
- It is essential to note that the provided studies do not specifically focus on knee scope procedures, but rather on various orthopedic procedures and rehabilitation protocols.
- Therefore, the exact duration of non-weightbearing after a knee scope cannot be determined from the provided evidence.
Related Studies
- Study 3 investigates the efficacy of non-weightbearing exercise regimens for patients with knee osteoarthritis, but does not provide information on the duration of non-weightbearing after a knee scope.
- Study 4 compares the efficacy of weight-bearing functional exercise and non-weightbearing quadriceps strengthening exercise for people with knee osteoarthritis and obesity, but does not discuss the duration of non-weightbearing after a knee scope.
- Study 5 evaluates the safety and efficacy of intravenous ibuprofen versus ibuprofen and acetaminophen in knee or hip arthroplasty, but is not relevant to the duration of non-weightbearing after a knee scope.