Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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Chat With Us
+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 08:00am - 8:00pm -
Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Meniscus Replacement / Transplant
Meniscus Replacement is an advanced and emerging procedure in knee surgery that involves the reconstruction or transplantation of a severely damaged or missing meniscus. This innovative treatment aims to restore cushioning, stability, and shock absorption in the knee, helping to reduce pain and protect the joint from further degeneration.
The menisci are cartilage-like pads that serve as essential shock absorbers within the knee joint, providing stability and cushioning during movement. Meniscal tears are common injuries that can be managed surgically in several ways, depending on the extent and location of the damage. When significant meniscal tissue is lost, the risk of arthritis and knee degeneration increases. In severe cases, surgical removal (meniscectomy) and subsequent meniscus replacement may be required. Meniscus reconstruction can be performed using an artificial scaffold, while meniscus transplantation involves the use of a size-matched donor (allograft) meniscus to restore normal joint function and biomechanics.
A meniscal allograft replacement is most commonly performed using arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery. During the procedure, specialised arthroscopic instruments are used to carry out a meniscectomy, removing the remaining damaged meniscal tissue. The donor (allograft) meniscus is then carefully inserted arthroscopically and securely attached to the remaining meniscal rim or joint capsule. The new meniscus is stabilised using arthroscopic sutures, ensuring precise placement and optimal healing within the knee joint.
Meniscus transplantation or replacement is typically required following severe trauma to the meniscal tissue. It is also recommended after a partial or complete meniscectomy to help prevent degeneration of the knee joint and reduce the risk of developing arthritis. A meniscal replacement not only protects the joint from long-term damage but also significantly improves the chances of restoring full knee function after a serious meniscal injury.
Physiotherapy prior to meniscal replacement
Pre-operative physiotherapy with Ace Physio Sports is highly recommended before undergoing a meniscal reconstruction or transplant. Our expert physiotherapists will create a personalised pre-surgery programme designed to prepare your knee for surgery and optimise your recovery. This programme includes targeted strengthening exercises for the muscles in and around your knee, as well as your hip and ankle joints, to provide better overall support. Additionally, specific activities will focus on reducing pain and swelling and improving knee mobility and range of motion. This pre-surgical preparation helps minimise complications and accelerate recovery after your operation, ensuring the best possible outcome.
Symptoms post meniscal replacement
After your meniscal replacement surgery, the most common symptoms you may experience include pain, stiffness, and swelling in and around the knee joint. To manage these symptoms effectively, a combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) is recommended during the initial recovery phase. In many cases, a cryocuff (cold compression device) and a knee brace are also provided to help reduce swelling, control pain, and protect the knee while it begins to heal.
After your meniscal replacement surgery, weight bearing may be allowed immediately, depending on your comfort level and your surgeon’s advice. However, in some cases, elbow crutches may be recommended for additional support during the early recovery phase. In the first few days following surgery, it is important to rest and keep your operated leg elevated as often as possible to help reduce swelling. You will begin a personalised physiotherapy programme with Ace Physio Sports immediately after surgery to restore movement and strength in your knee. Driving should be avoided until you regain full, pain-free range of motion, but most patients are able to resume light daily activities within a week of surgery.
Physiotherapy post meniscal replacement
Ace Physio Sports will design a personalised physiotherapy programme tailored specifically to your needs, with the goal of restoring full knee function as efficiently and safely as possible. In the initial stages following your meniscal replacement, your physiotherapy will focus on early weight bearing, while also reducing pain and swelling in and around the knee joint. As recovery progresses, the key goals will include increasing range of motion, minimising stiffness, and gradually strengthening the muscles that support your knee.
0-2 weeks
In the early stages of recovery, you will typically be provided with a brace for up to one week to protect and stabilise your knee. During the first few weeks, elbow crutches may be used to allow partial weight bearing as your strength and confidence improve. At this stage, the main goals of rehabilitation are to increase range of motion, reduce pain and swelling, and minimise stiffness in and around the knee joint. Physiotherapy may include:
- Gentle range of motion and mobility exercises
- Isometric strengthening for the quadriceps and hamstrings
- Cryotherapy (cold therapy) to manage swelling
- Soft tissue massage and manual therapy to relieve stiffness
- Gradual weight-bearing progression under supervision
2-8 weeks
Between weeks two and eight after your surgery, you will begin weight bearing as tolerated, while continuing to wear a knee brace during all weight-bearing activities. The brace is typically required for up to six weeks post-surgery to ensure proper joint protection and stability. By the end of this phase, the key rehabilitation goals will be to:
- Achieve full weight bearing without discomfort
- Strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee
- Improve range of motion and flexibility
- Enhance proprioception (balance) and joint control
8-12 weeks
During the later stages of your rehabilitation programme, Ace Physio Sports will ensure that you are now fully weight bearing and have regained full range of motion in your knee, with no need for a brace or walking aids. At this point, the main rehabilitation goals will include:
- Progressive strength and resistance training
- Functional and balance exercises
- Gait retraining to restore natural movement
- Low-impact cardiovascular exercises such as cycling or pool therapy
- Sport- or activity-specific drills as appropriate
3-4 months
In the final phase of your rehabilitation with Ace Physio Sports, the focus will be on restoring your knee to its pre-surgery condition and preparing you for specific sport or functional activities. By this stage, you should be fully weight bearing, have a normalised gait pattern, no longer require a brace, and enjoy full, pain-free range of motion. Rehabilitation at this stage includes:
- Advanced strengthening and plyometric exercises
- Sport-specific drills and functional training
- Agility, coordination, and endurance work
- High-level proprioceptive training for joint stability
- Gradual return-to-sport progression under physiotherapist supervision
Summary
Following a meniscus injury, surgery may be required to repair, reconstruct, or replace the damaged meniscus — depending on the severity and location of the injury. A meniscus replacement restores the lost cushioning and stability within the knee joint, helping to prevent further degeneration. Physiotherapy with Ace Physio Sports is essential after a meniscus replacement to ensure you regain full knee function and safely return to your daily activities, work, or sport. Our expert team will guide you through a structured, personalised rehabilitation plan for the best possible recovery. 📞 Call Ace Physio Sports now on +65 81535374 for more information or to book an appointment!
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Sat: 8am - 4pm
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