MPFL Reconstruction

NYU Langone Health · Dr. Daniel J. Kaplan, MD

Weight-Bearing

WBAT

Key Restrictions

Brace locked at 0 for ambulation and sleeping 0-6 wks; ROM limited to 30 deg 0-2 wks; goal 90 deg by wk 6; wean brace 6-12 wks at MD/PT discretion; optional patellar stabilization sleeve after brace; jogging at 3-4 months; RTS typically ~6 months

Timeline & Phases

Phase 1: 0-2 wks (WBAT in locked brace, ROM 0-30, SLR/quad sets); Phase 2: 2-6 wks (WBAT in locked brace, ROM 0-90, proprioception); Phase 3: 6-12 wks (WBAT wean brace, full ROM, squat/step-down/leg press/lunges); Phase 4: 3-4 months (jogging, plyometrics, proprioception); Phase 5: 4-6 months (cutting/sport-specific, RTS at ~6 months with MD clearance)

Surgeon / Author

Dr. Daniel J. Kaplan, MD

Published

2025-01