Cartilage Restoration — Osteochondral Autograft Transfer (OATS)

University of Colorado Anschutz (CU) · Dr. Eric McCarty MD

Weight-Bearing

NWB x 6 wks; progress to FWB without assistive device by 8 wks; D/C brace at 6 wks

Key Restrictions

NWB x 6 wks; CPM 0-30 progressing 5 deg/day to 120 (D/C at 4 wks post-op); brace D/C at 6 wks; isokinetic training 200+ deg/sec only after Phase III; return to sport without restrictions requires MD clearance at 6-12 months

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (0-6 wks, NWB, CPM 0-30 to 120 at 5 deg/day D/C wk 4, PROM/AROM, quad sets/SLR/hip exercises, stationary bike when ROM allows); Phase II (6-8 wks, progress to FWB, D/C brace, CKC progression); Phase III (8-12 wks, squats, leg press, step exercises, isokinetic 200+ deg/sec, balance, treadmill/Stairmaster/elliptical); 12 wks-6 months (advance Phase III, maximize core/glute/eccentric hamstrings); 6-12 months (sport-specific, MD clearance required)

Notes

.edu site; Dr. Eric McCarty MD; CU Boulder; CPM machine key feature (0-30 progressing 5 deg/day to 120, D/C at 4 wks); return to sport 6-12 months with mandatory MD clearance

Surgeon / Author

Dr. Eric McCarty MD