How can I protect my meniscus repair from tearing again?

The movements that stress a repair

The back part of the meniscus is squeezed most when the knee is deeply bent with weight on it, and sheared when the body twists over a planted foot. So the riskiest positions are deep squats, kneeling back on the heels, sitting cross-legged on the floor, and pivoting or cutting in sport.

Practical rules in the first months

• Keep to the bending and weight-bearing limits your surgeon sets, usually for the first four to six weeks
• Avoid loaded squats beyond a right angle until you are cleared, often around three to four months
• Turn by stepping your feet round, not by twisting on a fixed leg
• Sit on a chair rather than low floor seating in the majlis
• Use a chair or stool for prayer during the restricted period, and discuss the practical options with a scholar if you have questions
• Be careful on wet bathroom floors and stairs

Strength is protection

Strong quadriceps, hamstrings and hip muscles absorb load that would otherwise reach the meniscus. A structured physiotherapy programme, progressing from straight-leg work to controlled squats, balance and finally agility, is the most effective long-term protection. Skipping the late stages of rehabilitation is a common reason for problems after return to sport.

When to get the knee checked

New locking, catching, swelling after a twist, or sharp pain at the joint line can mean the repair has been stressed. Contact Dr. Gelber's team at Aman Hospital in Doha; an examination, and sometimes an MRI, shows whether anything has changed.