MPFL Reconstruction

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

Weight-Bearing

WBAT; crutches and partial weight bearing used for the first couple of weeks when pain or tenderness limits weight bearing

Key Restrictions

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

4 criteria-based phases with no fixed week ranges: Phase I (early motion/healing), Phase II (motion and strengthening), Phase III (introduction to landing/impact, return to running), Phase IV (return to sport); each phase has explicit progression criteria; MD visits at 2 wks (incision), 6 wks (motion), 12 wks (strength) and 5-6 months (performance); return to sport requires MD clearance after 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)

Surgeon / Author

Parker Orthopedics Sports Medicine