The patello-femoral joint :

Lateral Release a meniscus repair - - Posted by cjones (cjones), 20 January 2005

I had my lateral release and meniscus repair done 6 days ago.  I was just looking for other people who have had this.  I am trying to find a time frame for recovery.  My doc isn't answering my questions very well.  Today is the first time I've got out of bed alone.  My husband is at work today.  I would appreciate any comments.  Thanks!!!
Posted by Linds (Linds), 20 January 2005


I haven't had meniscus repair but that shouldn't really matter, the LR would be the longer of the two recoveries in most cases.
I have had a LR on both of my knees, one almost 3 years ago and one 5 months ago.  The first one was riddled with complications so i'll tell you about the one 5 months ago.  I was on crutches about 2 weeks, and was able to walk almost normally about a week after that,  but stairs took a couple of months to really come back.   Use lot's of ice and rest it, when do you start physiotherapy?  I started physio about 8 days after my Operation... my surgeon wanted me to start sooner, but one of my incisions was bleeding and I wanted to wait til that had settled down, so I convinced him to let me wait another 5 days. Check up in the Post-op diary section of the board too, you may get some more information from there. Goodluck with your recovery and take it easy, it takes time to heal from this kind of thing.
Hugs
Linds
Posted by cjones (cjones), 20 January 2005

Thanks Linds!!  I wasn't planning on having the release so I don't know much about it.  My doc doesn't do PT for anyone.  All he has me doing is Quad flex.  It is very difficult.  I go back on Jan. 31 for my post op.  I only got out of bed alone today because I had to use the restroom.  Now I can't get back in bed without help so I'm stuck in the computer chair.  It isn't so bad, I needed out of bed.  
Posted by RGrelsamer (RGrelsamer, MD), 21 January 2005

Meniscal repairs fall into a large category. For some types the recovery is minimal while for others you can't bend the knee completely for quite a few weeks.
Bottom line: you need to get more info from your surgeon, one way or the other.

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