ACL Reconstruction — Patellar Tendon Graft (Adult)

UW Health Sports Medicine · UW Health Sports Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Physician Group

Weight-Bearing

PWB progressing to WBAT; brace unlocked for ambulation ~2 wks; FWB by Phase II

Key Restrictions

Brace locked at night x 2 wks, unlocked for ambulation early; patellar tendon donor site pain monitoring for OKC loading; LET (lateral extra-articular tenodesis using IT band) may be added; bike limited; no impact until Biodex <30%; ROOT repair: TDWB locked brace x6 wks

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (0-4 wks: PWB to WBAT, brace) -> Phase II (4-6 wks+: normalize gait, CKC, patellar tendon management) -> Phase III (8-12 wks+: progressive strength, no impact; Y balance >95%, Biodex <30%) -> Phase IV/V (cutting/pivoting, RTS at 9+ months)

Notes

LET (IT band tenodesis) may be added for high re-rupture risk or ligament laxity; patellar tendon pain monitoring rules for OKC progression; NMES and BFR included; Spectrum class; surgeon-specific meniscal precautions (Baer/Cotter/Day/Smith/Spiker vs. Scerpella/Sheean); UW Health Sports Medicine, Madison WI

Surgeon / Author

UW Health Sports Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Physician Group