Arthroscopy and Partial Meniscectomy With Debridement

by Sara Palmer
(United Kingdom)

I had the above operation on 05/02/08, just 2 weeks ago.I had to wait 3 months for this even privately. I am a fitness fanatic and before my symptoms started in October, I was running x 3x5k per week plus aerobics and x3 step classes a week and if I'm truthful a bit more if I could fit it in.

Prof Barrett has told me no more impact exercises so you can imagine how I feel!The knee swells to the size of an orange during the day.The physio has suggested that I start to use the bike and the X trainer but no walking on the treadmill.

Do you think this is too soon given that there is still a lot of swelling? What exercises should I be doing?

And if I must alter the type of exercises I do once recovered would "spin" be okay to try?

My job is nursing and I am on my feet for 12 hour shifts at night - obviously still off till next week.

Now the sad part - I am a young person in an old persons body! Yep, only 55 years but you can't help me there can you

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Arthroscopy and Partial Meniscectomy With Debridement

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Feb 19, 2008
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Young at Heart!
by: Bart - SII

Sara, you sound like you are very young at heart, even if you are trapped in an "old" body. Good for you, being active.

Two weeks after a meniscectomy you should still have a lot of swelling...that is very normal. Your body is going through the healing process and is just now getting out of the inflammation stage and into the scar formation stage.

You mentioned debridement - was this just of the meniscus, or did you have some articular cartilage debridement as well?

The primary goals after this surgery are to decrease your swelling, increase your range of motion, increase strength, and improve function. So, exercises that help with each of these things without increasing symptoms are all appropriate. Look at the rehab section of SII for information on example exercises. The bike or X trainer would be ok, provided they weren't painful and don't increase your swelling.

Everyone reacts differently to surgery. If you had articular cartilage involvement, things will move a bit slower than if you just had the meniscectomy.

You should be doing well in a couple months. At that time, "spin" would probably be an excellent choice for an alternate exercise.

You are dedicated to your fitness, but you sound very reasonable and understand that you may need to modify your activities to maintain good knee health. That is very important.

Another tip, just from past patient experiences...you may want to consider some type of compression brace to wear when you do return to work. It will help keep your swelling down and may provide some comfort for those long shifts.

Talk to your PT and doctor about any concerns you have, but it sounds like you are on the right track.

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