I am 1 wk post lateral partial meniscotomy. i feel spongy areas to the top medial knee that feel like fluid buildup and prevent good rom. is this nml?

Yes: In addition to normal surgery-related, post-op inflammation, it is common to have some degree of post-surgical fluid swelling (edema) and accumulation (effusion) that causes that "spongy" feeling and limited range of motion. This will improve with time and physical therapy. If increased swelling, redness, pain, or fever occurs, suggesting possible infection, one should inform their md.