How long will I be on crutches after cartilage restoration surgery?

Why the early weeks are protected

New repair tissue, or a graft, starts out soft and needs time to integrate with the surrounding cartilage and bone. Heavy load or twisting too early can damage it. At the same time, the cartilage benefits from gentle movement, which is why most protocols combine protected weight-bearing with early bending exercises.

A typical outline

• Weeks 0–2: crutches, touch or partial weight-bearing, swelling control and gentle range of motion
• Weeks 2–6: crutches continue, weight gradually increased as advised, bending improved, thigh muscle activation
• Weeks 6–8: crutches weaned, walking without a limp becomes the goal
• Months 2–4: normal walking, stairs and strengthening

This is a general outline. Repairs behind the kneecap, combined procedures such as an osteotomy, and two-stage cell-based techniques each have their own rules.

Planning daily life in Doha

• Desk work: many people return in two to four weeks if they can keep the leg up and travel safely
• Physical or site work: often three months or more
• Driving: usually not until you are off crutches with good control, and later for the right leg
• Home: a shower chair, a chair for prayer and a ground-floor bedroom if possible make the first weeks easier
• Heat: plan short trips outside in the cooler hours, as crutch walking in summer is tiring

Signs to call the team

Contact Aman Hospital promptly for increasing calf pain or swelling, shortness of breath, a fever, wound redness or discharge, or a sudden increase in knee pain. These can signal a blood clot or infection and need same-day review.