Patella Tendon RepairRehab Protocol

Phase 1 (0-2 weeks)

• Weight Bearing
  • as tolerated with brace in extension with crutches
• Brace
  • locked in extension for weight bearing, ambulation and sleeping
  • may remove for hygiene and PT
• ROM
  • 0-40 non weight bearing
• Exercises
  • isometrics, heel slides, patella mobilization, calf pumps

Phase 2 (2-8 weeks)

• Weight Bearing
  • full in brace
• Brace
  • weeks 2-4 locked in extension
  • weeks 4-6 locked in extension may remove at night
  • weeks 6-8 may unlock brace 0-45 degrees 
  • may discontinue brace past 8 weeks
• ROM
  • week 2-4 may advance from 40-60 degrees 
  • week 4-8 may slowly advance from to 90 degrees as tolerated
• Exercises
  • no weight bearing with flexion past 90 degrees
  • may start weight bearing calf raises
  • may start core, glutes and side hip exercises

Phase 3 (8-12 weeks)

• Weight Bearing
  • full
• Brace
  • may discontinue 
• ROM
  • progress to full
• Exercises
  • may start bike
  • short arc quads limit to 90 degrees
  • hamstrings and glutes
  • closed chain exercises

Phase 4 (12-20 weeks)

• Progress from Phase 3 exercises
• core, glutes, eccentric hamstrings
• elliptical/bike
• single leg balance
• may progress to functional and sport specific activites
• running/jumping at 4 months or greater with appropriate progress and clearance by MD