From the Guidelines
After a knee scope, you should avoid full weight-bearing for no more than 2 weeks, as prolonged non-weight-bearing does not provide additional benefits and may even increase patellofemoral pain, as demonstrated in a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine 1. When considering the optimal duration of non-weight-bearing after a knee arthroscopy, it's essential to weigh the potential benefits of early mobilization against the risks of compromising the surgical site.
- Early mobilization can improve knee flexion and extension range of motion without compromising knee laxity, regardless of the graft type used 1.
- A significant reduction in patellofemoral pain was observed in patients who started weight-bearing earlier, compared to those who remained non-weight-bearing for 2 weeks 1. Key considerations for post-operative rehabilitation include:
- The type of procedure performed, with more extensive procedures like ACL reconstruction potentially requiring longer periods of non-weight-bearing.
- Individual patient factors, such as overall health and mobility, which can influence the optimal duration of non-weight-bearing. As you transition to weight-bearing, it's crucial to follow your surgeon's guidance and physical therapy recommendations to ensure a safe and effective recovery.
- Starting with partial weight-bearing and progressing to full weight-bearing can help minimize the risk of complications and promote optimal healing 1.
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, the studies focus on pain management, infection risk, and thromboprophylaxis after knee arthroscopy, which may imply that non-weightbearing is a common practice to reduce stress on the knee joint.
- Study 3 mentions that corticosteroid injections within 2-4 weeks after knee arthroscopy may increase the risk of infection, but it does not provide information on non-weightbearing.
- Study 4 discusses the effectiveness of thromboprophylaxis after knee arthroscopy, but it does not address non-weightbearing.
- Studies 2, 5, 6 focus on pain management and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) after knee arthroscopy, but they do not provide guidance on non-weightbearing.
Related Considerations
- The provided studies suggest that pain management and infection risk are important considerations after knee arthroscopy 2, 3, 5, 6.
- Thromboprophylaxis may be necessary for some patients after knee arthroscopy, especially those with a high risk of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism 4.
- Non-weightbearing may be a common practice after knee arthroscopy to reduce stress on the knee joint and promote healing, but the optimal duration is not specified in the provided studies.