MPFL Reconstruction — (with or without Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy)

University of New Mexico (UNM) Sports Medicine · Will Curtis MD, Dustin Richter MD, Christopher Shultz MD, Gehron Treme MD…

Weight-Bearing

WBAT; if TTO: brace locked in extension Phase I; discontinue crutches as swelling and quad recruitment dictate

Key Restrictions

If TTO: brace locked in extension 0-2 weeks, open to 0-90 degrees weeks 2-6, D/C brace at 6-12 weeks; no brace for MPFL alone

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (0-2 wks): WBAT, brace locked in extension if TTO, quad sets/SLR, hip exercises; Phase II (2-6 wks): FWB, brace open 0-90 deg if TTO, step ups, CKC TKE, proprioception; Phase III (6-12 wks): D/C brace if TTO, CKC, advanced quad/HS strengthening, core; Phase IV (3-6 months): running, sport-specific drills, agility; full return at surgeon discretion

Notes

PT starts 3-10 days post-op, 1-2x/week for 12+ weeks; TTO component adds brace management; revised 2025

Surgeon / Author

Will Curtis MD, Dustin Richter MD, Christopher Shultz MD, Gehron Treme MD, Andrew Veitch MD

Published

2025