Still seeking post-op knee advice

[Sciurus Rex]

So my friend had surgery on his cartilage about two weeks ago and is still on crutches. He has to keep the weight off his right foot for at least six more weeks while fibrocartilage (scar tissue; pseudo replacement stuff) forms in the articular area. That's eight weeks total without fencing footwork, and more time after that to build back his strength.

So who among us has had such surgery or a similar situation? What does this guy have to look forward to on his road to recovery? How long do you think it will take before he's back to pre-surgery level?

[swordsen]

Dependign on the severity of his injury, his physical responce to surgery etc it could be a year. It was alomst a year from my ACL replacemnet before I started again.
Do Not Rush It.

[Arturo]

One of the fencers in our division had problems with his knees, while he was recovering he practiced wheelchair fencing. His hand speed and pointcontrol now are amazing. Perhaps your friend can try that until he is 100%

[mrraam1990]

I had the same knee surgery on September 6. I was on crutches for 7 weeks. After about 3 weeks they put me in physical therapy which helped a little with strengthening my leg but really just cost a lot of money to do exercises which I could do on my own.
My knee still hurts when I fence, but it is getting better each week. I think it just takes time to restrengthen the affected leg. I am now walking on the treadmill and doing isometrics as well as lifting weights and trying to practice and fence as much as possible.

[Sciurus Rex]

[quote]Originally posted by mrraam1990:
<strong>I had the same knee surgery on September 6. I was on crutches for 7 weeks. After about 3 weeks they put me in physical therapy which helped a little with strengthening my leg. ...
My knee still hurts when I fence, but it is getting better each week. I think it just takes time to restrengthen the affected leg. </strong><hr></blockquote>

My friend started his CPM (continuous passive motion) manchine the night after his surgery, and started physical therapy on the sixth day. The therapist said he would be back to full activity very quickly after he gets off the crutches. He still intends to make the cut for Summer Nationals Div-II next spring.