MPFL Reconstruction

Parker Orthopedics (Dallas, TX) · Parker Orthopedics Sports Medicine

Weight-Bearing

WBAT with crutches; many patients have pain limiting WB first 2 wks; crutches PRN

Key Restrictions

Avoid dynamic knee valgus and femoral IR throughout — maintenance of neutral LE alignment (ASIS over knee over 2nd toe) stressed; milestone-based (not time-based) progression strongly emphasized; for non-sport patients: formal PT likely ends at 3-4 months but recovery continues many months and must remain diligent with strengthening; bone realignment concomitant: different protocol; signs of infection (swelling, redness, drainage, warmth, fever, chills) or DVT (calf swelling/tenderness/redness) require immediate contact

Timeline & Phases

Milestone-based: WBAT/D/C crutches (wk 2-3), Brace open (wk 2-4), Full ROM (wk 4-6), Jogging (wk 10-12), Sport-specific (3-6 months), Return to sport (4-9 months per surgeon clearance with strength and motion analysis testing)

Notes

Unique: explicitly milestone-based rather than time-based — philosophy described in detail; return to sport testing includes strength AND motion analysis prior to clearance; non-sport patients counseled that recovery continues long after PT ends; bone realignment concomitant patients excluded (different protocol); detailed philosophy on avoiding dynamic valgus and femoral IR

Surgeon / Author

Parker Orthopedics Sports Medicine