Early Functional Rehabilitation after Meniscus Surgery: Are Currently Used Orthopedic Rehabilitation Standards Up to Date ?

Meniscus therapy is a challenging process. Besides the respective surgical procedure such as partial meniscectomy, meniscus repair,or meniscus replacement, early postoperative rehabilitation is important for meniscus regeneration and return to sport and work aswell as long-term outcome. Various recommendations are available. However, the current literature lacks information concerningthe actual early rehabilitation in daily routine recommended by orthopedic surgeons. Thus, the purpose of this study was toinvestigate currently used standard early rehabilitation protocols in the daily routine of orthopedic surgeons. This studyinvestigated the recommendations and concepts for early rehabilitation after meniscus therapy given by German, Austrian, andSwiss orthopedic institutions. Standardized criteria such as weight bearing, range of motion, use of an orthosis, andrehabilitation training were analyzed according to the conducted surgical procedure: partial meniscectomy, meniscus repair, ormeniscus replacement. The analysis of standard rehabilitation concepts for partial meniscectomy (n=15), meniscus repair(n=54), and meniscus replacement (n=7) showed significantly earlier functional rehabilitation in all criteria after partialmeniscectomy in contrast to meniscus repair techniques (p<0:001). In addition, significant restrictions were found in fullweight bearing, full range of motion, and the use of braces. In summary, a wide range of recommendations for weight bearing,ROM, brace therapy, and mobilization is available, particularly after meniscus repair and meniscus replacement. Most conceptsare in accordance with those described in the current literature. Further research is necessary to enhance the scientific evidenceon currently used early rehabilitation concepts after meniscus therapy.