EHL Tendon Repair

Orthopaedic Associates of Maine

Weight-Bearing

NWB 4 wks (splint); WBAT in walking boot from 4 wks; discontinue boot/crutches at 6 wks

Key Restrictions

Removable splint (foot dorsiflexion/neutral, great toe hyperextension) for 4 wks; NWB 4 wks; toe flexion limited to 0-10° at wks 3-4; no resistive exercises until 8-10 wks; turf toe protector in shoe from 6 wks onward

Timeline & Phases

Wks 3-4 (passive DF/toe ext, place and hold, 0-10° toe flex only), Wk 4 (active toe flex/PF with ankle neutral), Wk 5 (active DF/PF, passive toe flex), Wk 6 (DC boot/crutches, turf toe protector, full PROM), Wks 8+ (closed chain, resistive exercises)

Notes

EHL = Extensor Hallucis Longus (great toe extensor); therapy begins at 3 wks postop; heel insert in boot should be removed to maintain foot in dorsiflexion/neutral; no resistive exercises until 8-10 wks