From the Guidelines
After a meniscectomy, patients should avoid heavy lifting for at least 4-6 weeks to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of re-injury. The evidence from the study by Coppola and Collins 1 suggests that physical therapy may not be more effective than a home exercise program in a young and healthy population following relatively simple knee surgery, such as arthroscopic meniscectomy. However, this does not directly address lifting restrictions.
Lifting Restrictions
- Initially, limit lifting to objects weighing less than 10 pounds for the first 2 weeks.
- From weeks 2-4, you may gradually increase to 20-30 pounds if pain and swelling are controlled.
- By 6-8 weeks post-surgery, most patients can return to normal lifting activities with surgeon approval.
Importance of Physical Therapy
The study by van Grinsven et al, as mentioned in 1, describes a time-based rehabilitation protocol based on available evidence supplemented with expert opinion. This highlights the importance of a structured rehabilitation program, which typically includes progressive strengthening exercises starting with straight leg raises, hamstring curls, and gradually advancing to more complex movements.
Considerations for Lifting
Pain, swelling, or instability during lifting indicates you should reduce weight or stop the activity. The restriction on lifting allows proper healing of the knee joint structures and prevents excessive pressure on the surgical site. The meniscus has limited blood supply, particularly in the inner two-thirds, making healing slower and more vulnerable to re-injury with excessive force. Always consult your orthopedic surgeon before returning to heavy lifting as individual recovery timelines vary based on the extent of meniscus removal, surgical technique, and your overall health status.
From the Research
Lifting Restrictions after Meniscectomy
- There is no specific information on lifting restrictions after meniscectomy in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, the studies discuss the return to sport and physical activity after meniscectomy, which may imply some level of lifting and physical exertion.
- For example, a study found that approximately 77% of patients returned to sport after meniscectomy at a mean of 2 months postoperatively 2.
- Another study found that elite athletes with meniscal injuries were able to return to sports activity after partial meniscectomy or meniscal repair, with some requiring revision surgery 6.
- It is essential to note that lifting restrictions after meniscectomy may vary depending on the individual patient, the extent of the surgery, and the surgeon's recommendations.
Return to Physical Activity
- The studies suggest that patients can return to physical activity after meniscectomy, but the level of activity and the time to return may vary 2, 6.
- A study found that patients who underwent meniscectomy were able to return to low-, medium-, and high-intensity activities, with return to sport rates of 75.0%, 70.0%, and 82.5%, respectively 2.
- Another study found that elite athletes with meniscal injuries were able to return to competitive sports activity after partial meniscectomy or meniscal repair, with some requiring revision surgery 6.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
- The studies discuss the importance of rehabilitation and recovery after meniscectomy, including the use of electrical stimulation to strengthen muscles and improve functional outcomes 4.
- A study found that electrical stimulation coupled with conventional rehabilitation exercises may be effective in improving muscle strength and function two months after surgery 4.
- Another study discussed the use of meniscal repair and transplantation of allograft or collagen meniscus implant as treatment options for symptomatic meniscus defects after meniscectomy 5.