Knee Arthroscopy — Arthroscopic Debridement of Patellar Tendinosis

UCLA Department of Orthopaedic Surgery - Sports Medicine · Thomas Kremen MD

Weight-Bearing

WBAT with 2 crutches 0-4 wks; crutches for 2-3 wks; progress as tolerated

Key Restrictions

Brace locked in full extension for ambulation 0-4 wks; sleep with brace off; no pool/unweighted treadmill running until 6-8 wks; full WB running at 12 wks; isokinetic test with anti-shear device at 12 wks; quad/HS strength 85% uninvolved LE for RTS; single hop and 3-hop tests 85% uninvolved

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (0-4 wks): WBAT with 2 crutches, brace locked in extension for ambulation, quad sets/SLR/heel slides 0-90°, patellar mobilization | Phase II (4-10 wks): normalize gait/stair climbing, CKC progression (half-squats, leg press 0-45°, step-ups), proprioception, pool running or unweighted treadmill at 6-8 wks, stationary bike | Phase III (10-16 wks): full ROM, isokinetic strengthening with anti-shear device, FWB running at 12 wks, swimming/elliptical/bike | Phase IV (4-6 months): agility drills (side steps, crossovers, figure 8, cutting, plyometrics), sport-specific drills | Phase V (6+ months): gradual return to sport, maintenance program

Notes

Driving at 1 wk post-op; brace off for sleeping; CPM and heel slides for ROM Phase I; isokinetic test with anti-shear device recommended at 12 wks to guide strengthening; 85% quad/HS strength and 85% single/3-hop test criteria for RTS; knee extensions 90-30° Phase III progressing to eccentrics; Kremen MD UCLA PatientPop practice site

Surgeon / Author

Thomas Kremen MD