Should I time my meniscus repair around Ramadan or the Qatar summer?

When it is reasonable to plan the date

A stable tear that is not locking, in a knee you can walk on, can often wait a few weeks so that surgery falls at a better time. Many people in Qatar prefer the weeks before the summer break, so that the early recovery and travel restrictions fall in their holiday, or after Ramadan so that fasting and early rehabilitation do not overlap.

When waiting is not advisable

• A knee locked by a bucket-handle tear
• A fresh tear in a young, active person that looks repairable on MRI
• A root tear, where the joint is losing its cushioning
• A tear together with an ACL injury causing the knee to give way

In these cases the chance of a successful repair can fall with delay, so the date should be guided by the knee rather than the calendar.

Ramadan practicalities

In the first days after surgery, regular fluids, food with medicines and good hydration support recovery and help reduce clot risk. Patients who wish to fast should discuss the timing and their medicines with the surgical team, and can discuss any questions about the ruling with a scholar. Physiotherapy sessions can often be scheduled after iftar, when energy is better. Prayer on a chair is a practical option while deep bending is restricted.

Summer practicalities

Heat and dehydration make crutch walking more tiring, so plan short trips in the cooler hours and keep well hydrated. Wounds should be kept dry, so avoid swimming pools until the surgeon confirms healing. If flying home is planned, discuss the timing, since long flights soon after surgery increase the risk of blood clots.