MPFL Reconstruction — Medial Patellofemoral Ligament (MPFL) Reconstruction

Mammoth Orthopedic Institute / Sierra Park PT · Brian B. Gilmer MD (US Ski Team Physician); Karly M. Dawson PA-C; Ariel Duvall…

Weight-Bearing

WBAT with 2 crutches; brace locked 0° for ambulation x6 weeks; FWB in brace locked 0° by wks 2-6; wean from brace wks 6-12

Key Restrictions

Brace locked 0° for ambulation x6 weeks; PROM 0-30° flexion x2 weeks; avoid lateral patellar glides throughout early phases; no lower extremity cardio x6 weeks; earliest RTS 6 months; must pass RTS test

Timeline & Phases

4 phases: Phase I (0-2 wks, WBAT 2 crutches, brace locked, PROM 0-30°, NMES for quad), Phase II (2-6 wks, AROM/PROM 0-90°, brace locked 0° ambulation, SLR/bridges), Phase III (6-12 wks, wean crutches/brace, full ROM, mini squats, stationary bike), Phase IV (12-18 wks, inline jogging, sport-specific at 4 months, RTS at 6 months)

Notes

References Fisher 2010 Arthroscopy paper on MPFL reconstruction and RTS efficacy; RTS at 6 months if quad/hamstring ≥90% uninvolved and pass RTS test; PROM limited to 30° x2 weeks; avoid lateral patellar glides; sport-specific training from 4 months; Ariel Duvall PT 2/2/2016; Gilmer MD 2/2/2016

Surgeon / Author

Brian B. Gilmer MD (US Ski Team Physician); Karly M. Dawson PA-C; Ariel Duvall PT

Published

February 2016