Patella Tendon Repair / Reconstruction Rehabilitation Protocol
Range of motion restrictions
ROM restrictions made at time of surgery per Dr Vidal, Most typically
0-60 x 4 weeks
0-90 weeks 4-6
0-120 weeks 6-8
1-2 Weeks Post Op
- Non weight bearing in brace x 2 weeks
- Brace locked in extension full time with exception of ROM exercises
- Reduce pain/swelling (ice 3x’s daily for 15-20 minutes directly on knee)
- Ankle pumps, isometric quadriceps set, hamstring sets, glut sets, and patellar mobilizations
3-6 Weeks post Op
- WBAT locked in extension weeks
- Brace locked in extension full time with exception of ROM exercises
- Heel slides, knee extension ROM with foot resting on a towel, 4-way leg lifts with brace locked in
extension, gentle patella mobilizations, weight shifts on surgical side with brace on
- Weeks Post Op
- Wean from crutches and begin weight bearing with knee brace open (week 6-8)
- Wean out of brace at 8 weeks
- AROM for open chain knee flexion and extension, closed chain quadriceps control from 0°-40° with
light squat and leg press, progressing to shallow lunge steps, prone knee flexion, stationary bike,
patellar mobilizations, open chain hip strengthening, core strength
12-24 Weeks Post Op
- Continue to optimize gait
- Continue to optimize ROM
- Progressive closed chain strengthening as tolerated
- Cycling, swimming
- Elliptical can start at week 16 if appropriate strength
24 Weeks Post Op
- Progress to return to sport