Open AccessRehabilitation and return to sports after isolated meniscal repairs: a new evidence‐based protocol
Author(s) -
Calanna Filippo,
Duthon Victoria,
Menetrey Jacques
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
journal of experimental orthopaedics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.597
H-Index - 18
ISSN - 2197-1153
DOI - 10.1186/s40634-022-00521-8
Subject(s) - rehabilitation , protocol (science) , medicine , evidence based medicine , meniscus , randomized controlled trial , weight bearing , cadaveric spasm , sports medicine , systematic review , physical therapy , physical medicine and rehabilitation , medline , range of motion , surgery , alternative medicine , pathology , physics , incidence (geometry) , political science , law , optics
Purpose Despite many protocols that have been proposed, there’s no consensus in the literature regarding the optimal rehabilitation program and return to sports (RTS) protocol following isolated meniscal repair. The aim of this current concept review is to look at the evidence of rehabilitation and RTS program after isolated meniscal repair, focusing on general and specific protocols per type of injury trying to give some guidelines based on the current state of knowledge. Methods A narrative literature review was performed searching PubMed database to identify relevant articles from January 1985 to October 2021 on rehabilitation and RTS after isolated meniscal repair. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective and retrospective cohort studies, case series, systematic reviews, meta‐analyses, cadaveric studies and basic science studies were included. Results When the hoop tensile stress effect is preserved, an accelerated rehabilitation program may be suggested. Hence, partial weight bearing (20 kg) in association with ROM limited to 90° is allowed for the first four weeks, followed by weight bearing as tolerated. In contrast, when circumferential hoop fibers are disrupted, a restricted rehabilitation protocol may be recommended. In this scenario no weight bearing is allowed for the first six weeks after the surgery and range of motion (ROM) is limited to 90°. Conclusion Biomechanical evidence suggests that tailoring an individualized protocol based upon the type of lesion and meniscus stability is reasonable. Level of evidence Level V.