Meniscus damage

 

Summary

The two menisci in the knee are made up of tough cartilage and act as cushions between the tibia and femur to reduce friction and provide shock absorbsion for the knee joint. Meniscus injuries are commonly associated with sports like football and basketball where forceful twisting of the leg while the foot is planted occurs. With age the menisci become less resilient meaning injuries of the meniscus are more common in older athletes. If you have suffered an injury to the meniscus, you will notice some clicking when walking or bending the knee, you may also notice a locking or ‘giving way’ sensation in the knee too. If a damaged meniscus becomes displaced, then the knee may ‘totally’ lock. In most cases you will be assessed physically to diagnose any meniscus damage, but MRI is commonly used to determine the severity of the damage. In cases where only light damage to the meniscus it should heal withing 3-4 weeks, in cases where part of the damaged meniscus needs to be removed surgically it may take 5-8 for a full recovery and in severe cases where a full repair is required it can take up 4 months for a full rehabilitation.

 

Rehabilitation

Early stage

  • Straight leg raises (4 x 10)

  • Deep water running (20 – 30 mins)

  • Stationary cycling (level 6, 20 mins)

  • Core stability exercises, dead bugs

Intermediate stage

  • Walk – jog programme

  • Squats, with electrical stimulation

  • Bodyweight step ups (3 x 15)

  • Cross trainer or stepper (level 6, 20 mins)

Late stage

  • High bodyweight step ups (4 x 12)

  • Low level running plan, starting at 50-60% and building to 60-70%

  • Figure of 8 drills at 50-60% intensity

  • Shuttle runs at 50-60% intensity

Return to sport

  • Barbell squats at 80% 1RM (4 x 8 – 12)

  • Barbell deadlifts at 80% 1RM (4 x 8 – 12)

  • Triple hops

  • Cross over hops

  • High level running (should be pain free)