ACL + Meniscus Repair Rehabilitation Self-Check

Dr Srinivas B S Kambhampati

MS(Ortho), FRCS(Eng & Glasg), FRCS (Tr & Orth), Dip (Applied Biomechanics)

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Vijayawada

Enter your surgery date, then use the checklist to confirm you’ve met goals before moving on. This page stores your progress on this device only (LocalStorage). Meniscus repair adds early protection

● Saved locally

Patient code (optional)

Date of operation

Meniscus repair type

ROM limit protocol (early)

Post-op: – days (– weeks) Suggested phase (by time only): –

Overall: 0%

Enter surgery date

This is a general, phase-based guide. Your surgeon/physio may change weight-bearing, brace, and ROM limits depending on the repair.

Phase goals

Checklist (adaptive to ROM protocol)

Tip: You can view later phases, but early phases are protective to help the meniscus heal.

Milestones & protection notes

Key difference vs isolated ACL: meniscus repair often means slower ROM/weight-bearing progression early (your surgeon’s plan is the rule).

Current protection reminders (from your selections):

ROM: –
Weight-bearing: –
Avoid: loaded deep flexion and twisting/pivoting early

Weight-bearing: may be partial for ~2–6 weeks depending on repair type (root repairs often longer protection).
Independent walking (no crutches): often ~3–8 weeks depending on WB plan and gait quality.
Stairs up/down more confidently: often ~6–10 weeks.
Exercise bike: commonly ~4–6 weeks once ROM allows and swelling is controlled.
Swimming: often ~6–8 weeks once wounds are healed (avoid strong breaststroke kick early).
Driving a car: usually ~3–8 weeks (earlier for left knee + automatic; later for right knee—only when you can brake safely and are off sedating pain meds).
Driving a two-wheeler: often ~8–12 weeks (balance + emergency braking are essential).
Jogging: commonly delayed to ~4–5 months (only if swelling is controlled and strength/control criteria are met).
Cutting/pivoting drills: often ~5–7 months (criteria-based).
Return to sport: often ~8–10+ months with testing/criteria.
Long-haul flight travel: commonly after ~4–6 weeks with precautions and surgeon clearance.
Start a sitting/desk job: often ~1–3 weeks if pain/swelling controlled (with leg elevation breaks).

🚩 Red Flag Symptoms — Seek Medical Advice Immediately:

Fever above 100.4°F (38°C), chills, or feeling unwell
Increasing wound redness, warmth, discharge, bad smell, or wound opening
Sudden increase in swelling or severe pain that does not settle with rest/ice
Calf pain/swelling/tenderness (possible blood clot)
Shortness of breath or chest pain (medical emergency)
New numbness/weakness in the foot, or toes becoming cold/blue
New pop, giving-way episode, or sudden loss of knee motion