KNEE MPFL RECONSTRUCTION – PHYSICAL THERAPY PROTOCOL

 Once or twice per week in weeks 0 to 6

Two or three times per week in weeks 7 to 16

Once or twice per week in weeks 12-16 as necessary

Please send progress notes

Weeks 0 to 3

– Full weight bearing with lateral J brace

– Passive range of motion with maximal flexion to 90 degrees and emphasis on full extension

– Active range of motion hip adductors and abductors

– Straight leg raises

– Cryotherapy

– Patellar mobilization

– Gait training with and without assistive devices

– Anti-inflammatory modalities as needed

Weeks 4 to 6

– Continue as outlined above

– Passive range of motion with maximal flexion to 110 degrees and emphasis on full extension

Weeks 7 to 16

– Continue as outlined above

– Active muscle strengthening, including active quadriceps extension

– Avoid open chain quad exercises

– Aerobic conditioning, including stationary bicycle and treadmill work if good quadriceps control at week 6

– Lower extremity stretching (emphasize flexion)

– May discontinue lateral J brace once adequate quadriceps strength

– Discontinue to home exercise program