Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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+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)
Meniscectomy
A meniscectomy is a surgical procedure involving the partial or complete removal of the meniscus within the knee joint. It is typically performed when the meniscus is severely torn or damaged and cannot be successfully repaired. The goal of a meniscectomy is to relieve pain, restore knee function, and prevent further joint complications.
The menisci are two cartilage-like pads located within the knee joint that play a crucial role in its function. They help the knee by bearing load, absorbing shock, and providing stability, ensuring smooth movement and protecting the joint from excessive stress or injury.
Following a meniscus injury or tear, a meniscectomy may be required to remove the damaged tissue. If the meniscus cannot be repaired, the procedure may involve either a partial meniscectomy, where only the damaged portion is removed, or a complete meniscectomy, depending on the severity and location of the injury. This procedure aims to relieve pain, restore knee function, and prevent further joint damage.
A complete meniscectomy involves the total removal of the damaged meniscus and is typically required in more severe cases where there is extensive damage to the meniscal tissue. This procedure aims to alleviate pain, restore knee function, and prevent further joint complications.
A partial meniscectomy involves the removal of only the torn or damaged portion of the meniscus. The amount of tissue removed depends on the extent and location of the damage. This procedure is typically required when the injury occurs in the inner two-thirds of the meniscus (known as the white zone), which has poor blood supply and cannot heal on its own. In contrast, damage to the outer edge of the meniscus (the red zone) has a better blood supply, so meniscal repair is often the preferred treatment. A partial meniscectomy is also necessary when torn meniscal fragments enter the joint space, causing the knee to lock or produce other symptoms. In these cases, the damaged fragments are removed, and the edges of the remaining meniscus are smoothed to restore normal knee function and reduce the risk of further irritation.
The choice of meniscus surgery depends on several factors, including the location and size of the tear, as well as the patient’s age and activity level. Most surgeons commonly perform the procedure arthroscopically, using small keyhole incisions. Arthroscopic surgery allows the surgeon to examine the knee joint in detail and simultaneously repair or remove damaged meniscal tissue with minimal disruption to surrounding structures.
Physiotherapy prior to a menisectomy
A pre-operative physiotherapy programme with Ace Physio Sports is designed to strengthen your knee and prepare it for surgery. Participating in a personalised physiotherapy plan before your meniscectomy can significantly improve post-surgery recovery, aid rehabilitation, and help prevent potential complications. This programme focuses on controlling swelling and pain, maintaining range of motion, and strengthening the muscles and structures around your knee, including the quadriceps and hamstrings. Activities such as light static cycling and hydrotherapy are also included to improve muscle endurance and overall fitness. By preparing your knee in advance, you optimise the joint’s condition for surgery and lay the foundation for a smoother, faster recovery.
Symptoms after a menisectomy
After a complete or partial meniscectomy, it is common to experience pain, swelling, and a reduced range of motion in the knee joint. You may also notice weakness or a feeling of instability within the joint. Following surgery, you will generally be allowed to weight bear as tolerated, with elbow crutches provided for support, typically for up to a week. Driving is not recommended for 1–2 weeks post-surgery, with the exact timeframe depending on your pain levels and knee mobility. Most patients can expect to regain full range of motion within 1–2 weeks, while a return to heavier work or sports may take 4–6 weeks, depending on individual recovery progress and adherence to a structured rehabilitation programme.
Physiotherapy post menisectomy
Physiotherapy rehabilitation with Ace Physio Sports after a meniscectomy is personalised to your needs and will progress at a pace suited to your recovery. In the initial stages, the main goals are to control pain and swelling, achieve weight bearing as soon as possible, restore and maintain full range of motion, and begin strengthening the quadriceps muscles to support and stabilise the knee joint.
1-3 days
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to reduce swelling and discomfort
- Use of elbow crutches and knee brace as advised by your surgeon
- Gentle quadriceps activation exercises to maintain muscle engagement
- Passive or assisted range of motion exercises to prevent stiffness
- Circulatory exercises such as ankle pumps to promote blood flow
4-10 days
- Progressive weight-bearing exercises as tolerated, using crutches if necessary
- Continued range of motion exercises to improve flexibility
- Gentle quadriceps and hamstring strengthening
- Patella mobilisations to prevent stiffness and maintain joint health
- Pain and swelling management using ice, compression, and elevation as needed
10 days-3 weeks
- Full weight-bearing as tolerated without crutches or with minimal support
- Progressive strengthening exercises for quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles
- Range of motion exercises to achieve full, pain-free knee mobility
- Balance and proprioception training to improve stability and joint control
- Low-impact functional activities to prepare for daily tasks
3-4 weeks
- Advanced strengthening exercises for the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles
- Balance and proprioception drills to improve joint control and prevent re-injury
- Continued range of motion exercises to ensure full, pain-free mobility
- Low-impact cardiovascular exercises, such as stationary cycling or swimming
- Gradual introduction of functional activities such as walking on varied surfaces or light stair climbing
4-7 weeks
In the later stages of rehabilitation, the main aims of Ace Physio Sports’ physiotherapy programme shift towards returning to sports and functional activities. This phase continues to focus on muscle strengthening, endurance training, and maintaining full range of motion, while incorporating activity-specific exercises to prepare your knee for higher-level movements and demands.
- Advanced strengthening exercises for the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles
- Endurance training to improve muscular stamina and joint support
- Range of motion exercises to maintain full, pain-free knee mobility
- Balance and proprioception drills to enhance stability and prevent re-injury
- Sport- or activity-specific exercises tailored to your functional goals
- Gradual return-to-sport progression under physiotherapist supervision
Summary
A meniscectomy is required following an injury to the meniscus within your knee. The procedure involves the partial or complete removal of the meniscus, depending on the severity of the damage or trauma. Physiotherapy, both before and after surgery, is essential to strengthen your knee, prevent further damage, and reduce the risk of long-term degeneration. A personalised physiotherapy programme with Ace Physio Sports ensures a safe, effective, and rapid return to heavy-duty work, hobbies, and sport. 📞 Call Ace Physio Sports now on +65 81535374 for more information or to book an appointment!
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