My knee catches after meniscus or ACL surgery. Is that normal?

What is usually normal

In the first weeks after arthroscopy, meniscus repair or ACL reconstruction, many patients notice clicking, a feeling that the knee is not quite their own, and stiffness at the end of bending. Swelling and weak quadriceps make the knee feel less smooth. These sensations usually fade as the rehabilitation programme progresses and the swelling goes down.

When catching may signal a problem

• Meniscus re-tear or a repair that has not healed: catching or locking on the same side as before, often after a twist or deep squat
• Cyclops lesion after ACL reconstruction: a nodule of scar tissue at the front of the graft that blocks the last degrees of straightening, sometimes with a clunk as the knee straightens
• Arthrofibrosis: excessive scar tissue making the knee stiff in both bending and straightening
• A new loose body or cartilage flap
• Graft problems, felt more as instability than catching

What to do

Tell your surgeon or physiotherapist about any catching that is new, getting worse or comes with swelling. Do not push hard through a block in straightening; regaining full extension early is a key goal of rehabilitation, and a mechanical block needs identifying rather than forcing. Seek urgent care if the knee becomes hot, red and swollen with fever, or if the calf becomes swollen and painful, especially in the first weeks.

Review with a knee surgeon in Doha

At Aman Hospital, Dr. Gelber reviews your operation notes and rehabilitation progress, examines straightening, bending and stability, and arranges an MRI if a re-tear or cyclops lesion is suspected. A cyclops lesion or a re-torn meniscus that blocks movement is often treated with a further keyhole procedure, followed by focused rehabilitation. Stiffness without a block is usually managed first with intensive physiotherapy. Patients who had surgery elsewhere are also welcome for a second opinion.