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Suggest Treatment For Lateral L Meniscus Repair And Cartilage Damage

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Posted on Fri, 10 Jul 2015
Question: I had a lateral L meniscus repair two days ago at a VA facility. It was an arthroscopic procedure, but they ended up making an additional incision on the lateral side as well. Immediately after post op, while I was still in recovery from the anesthesia, one of the doctors came in and told me that they were able to repair the meniscus, and that there was a lot of cartilage damage as well, and they cleaned up some of it. I asked him to write instructions down, and he listed the following:
Left Knee Lateral Bucket Handle Tear
- Repair was done x4 sutures 0 removal was done
- weight bear on leg as tolerated
- no knee flexion past 90*
- remove and stop using knee immobilizer Thursday
- use polar care on/off every two hours

None of the medical staff spoke to/gave instructions to my caregiver who was there with me and didn't tell me anything else about what to do. I've done some research about post op protocol on my own, and there seems to be a lot more info about dos/don'ts, especially in the first few days after surgery. I don't have a follow up appointment until Monday afternoon (three days away). I'm looking for advice about what I should be doing until then.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
As you had bucket handle tear rehabilitation needs to be done carefully.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I have studied your case.

As you had bucket handle tear rehabilitation needs to be done carefully.
Till Monday continue knee Range of motion exercise not beyond 90 degree.

Walk with partial weight bearing as tolerated with support.
Keep knee dressing protected.
Cryotherapy
Light compression wrap,
Strengthening Exercises: Do quadriceps strengthening static exercises, Straight leg raises, hip adduction and abduction, ¼ and/or ½ squats
Active assisted ROM stretching, emphasizing full knee extension (flexion to tolerance)

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you good health.

Take care.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1998

Answered : 5164 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Lateral L Meniscus Repair And Cartilage Damage

Brief Answer: As you had bucket handle tear rehabilitation needs to be done carefully. Detailed Answer: Hello, I have studied your case. As you had bucket handle tear rehabilitation needs to be done carefully. Till Monday continue knee Range of motion exercise not beyond 90 degree. Walk with partial weight bearing as tolerated with support. Keep knee dressing protected. Cryotherapy Light compression wrap, Strengthening Exercises: Do quadriceps strengthening static exercises, Straight leg raises, hip adduction and abduction, ¼ and/or ½ squats Active assisted ROM stretching, emphasizing full knee extension (flexion to tolerance) Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries. Wishing you good health. Take care.