Return to work after lateral meniscus repair

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Specializes in ICU.

I'm a brand new RN. Shortly after starting my first job, I screwed up my knee and required surgery to repair my lateral meniscus. I went in expecting a meniscectomy and came out with a locked knee brace and a repair. Better in the long run, yes, but I'm curious if anyone else has had a meniscus or ACL/meniscus repair, and how long you were out of work. I'm a bedside nurse in a surgical ICU. Of course, I realize everyone is different. My surgeon is being particularly conservative due to the number of sututes in the meniscus, but I'd like to hear about the experiences of other RNs out there.

Thanks, everyone!

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Specializes in ER, Peds ER.

A basic tear like that you're looking at probably 6-8 weeks. And when I went back I didn't go back to the ER for 2 months after that, I did med surg so minimize the stress on my knee. Depends on your personal recovery really. I suffered a knee injury far worse than yours and was out of work for 6 almost 7 months. My injury as I said though was far worse what then what you had I suffered a completely torn MCL (which retracted up), a partially torn PCL and a partially torn ACL and a blown Meniscus sack. On top of a broken leg. It required 2 surgeries and they had to pin my knee back together. I was bed ridden for the 1st month and on crutches for 2 months after that before I could even start physically therapy. 3 years later I still deal with knee pain. The best advice I can give you is even after you're healed and done with the physical therapy keep your knee healthy and strong. I do a lot of the stuff I used to do in PT at home on my own.

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Specializes in Cardiac step down unit.

I had lateral and medial meniscus tears reparied , and a complete ACL reconstruction (using hamstring) done on December 17. I was in a locked knee brace for about 2 weeks, and a soft brace for about a week. I went back to nursing school and clinicals on January 20th, back to work as a PCT in an Oncology/Med-Surg unit on February 6th. I could have gone back to work earlier, at least 2 weeks, but opted not to so I could get a jump start on my semester. I also have a quad level house and a 4 year old daughter, lol. From what I have heard, my recovery is NOT the norm, but I have done exceptionally well. Good luck to you! Do what you are supposed to do, don't push it or overdo it. :up:

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Specializes in ICU.

Thanks for the info so far. I really appreciate it.

I'm only 2 weeks post op and starting the new grad class tomorrow, which will involve just sitting, one of my best talents right now. I am still in my locked brace, crutches, and 25% weight bearing. Now that I am more active, I am starting to have a lot more pain. This was originally supposed to be a routine scope with 2 to 3 weeks off work, but has obviously become a larger "problem." I don't have a lot of time to be without a salary, unfortunately, so I am walking the fine line between pushing myself to get my strength back (as much as is possible in a rigid brace) and trying to keep my pain under control and take the recovery slow.

Anyone else care to share their experiences? Anything you can pass along regarding recovery and going back to work would be much appreciated.

Thank you!

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I had a lateral miniscus repair in high school. I was non-weight bearing on that leg with crutches for 5 weeks.

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Specializes in ICU.

Am I allowed to bump my own thread? :) Still interested in hearing anyone else's take on this. Thank you!

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Specializes in Acute Care Psych, DNP Student.

Caroline, how are you doing? How's the knee now?

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Specializes in CVICU.

Obviously this is a little different than your situation, but I had my ankle ligaments repaired in September. I had 8 weeks off from work, and I still had a lot of pain and swelling when I returned. I'm also an ICU nurse, and I still get pain/swelling on those occasions when I'm having a really crappy night and don't get to sit down (you know what I mean!) My best advice is to take it easy, listen to your doc, and don't push it... and really work with your PT, because mine helped me a ton.

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Specializes in ICU.

Thanks for asking!

I went back to work after about 7 weeks off, so I've been back a little over a month now. I am doing okay. Really feel lucky to have such great, supportive co-workers who don't allow me to even think about putting myself in a position that would hurt the knee repair. They are always offering to help and reminding me to stop and ice it down. I do have pain during my shift; the wax on the floors makes my shoes stick, and that frequently results in more pain and aggravation. Of course, the worst days are the ones when I am too busy to ice or sit. I am working with PT once a week and I also work out (within my current rehab protocol) 3-4 times a week. I think I am gaining strength and my pain will continue to decrease. In the meantime, I just have to tolerate the floor wax...I am just glad to be back and making some money again! :)

How about the rest of you?

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