MPFL Reconstruction

Dr. David P. Trofa MD (Columbia University Medical Center) · Dr. David P. Trofa MD (Head Team Physician, Columbia University)

Weight-Bearing

WBAT in brace locked extension; crutches x 2-4 wks; D/C crutches when normal gait

Key Restrictions

Brace locked extension x 2 wks; brace 0-90 wks 2-4; D/C brace wk 6; no lateral patellar mobilizations; no deep squats or lunges until wk 12; no OKC knee extension until wk 8; avoid patellar compression exercises early

Timeline & Phases

4 phases: Phase I (0-2 wks, brace locked ext, WBAT, PROM, quad sets + NMES, SLR), Phase II (2-6 wks, brace 0-90, progressive ROM/strengthening, bike wk 4), Phase III (6-12 wks, D/C brace, progressive CKC/OKC, begin jogging criteria-based), Phase IV (12+ wks, sport-specific, plyometrics, return to sport)

Notes

Columbia University Medical Center; Head Team Physician Columbia University; concise 4-phase format; NMES for quad activation; return to sport after physician clearance

Surgeon / Author

Dr. David P. Trofa MD (Head Team Physician, Columbia University)