Lateral Retinacular Release

Mountain Orthopaedics · Mountain Ortho Clinical Team

Weight-Bearing

PWB 40-60 lbs with crutches wk 1; WBAT / D/C crutches wk 2

Key Restrictions

Knee wrap on - do not remove unless instructed by MD; if effusion develops with activity reduce intensity and modify program; advance to plyometrics/running only if knee quiet with no effusion and patient pain-free

Timeline & Phases

Wk 1 (PWB 40-60 lbs, quad sets/SLR); Wk 2 (WBAT, D/C crutches, AROM flexion/extension if minimal effusion, patellar mobs/lateral retinacular stretches, edema control, foot/ankle mobility review); Wks 3-6 (progressive active extension, CKC strengthening and aerobic program if minimal effusion, hip abd/extension strengthening); Wks 6-12 (plyometrics/sports-specific agility/running if knee quiet, then dismiss to HEP)

Notes

Effusion is primary limiter of progression throughout; patellar mobilization and lateral retinacular stretching central to recovery; relatively quick recovery vs ligament reconstructions; dismiss to HEP at wk 12

Surgeon / Author

Mountain Ortho Clinical Team