MPFL Reconstruction

University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery

Weight-Bearing

50% WB weeks 0-2; WBAT in brace weeks 2-4; progress to FWB

Key Restrictions

Brace 0-90° weeks 0-4; no ambulation without brace first 4 weeks; avoid lateralization of patella; avoid AAROM knee extension with significant quad atrophy or articular cartilage injury; ROM 0-110° until week 8, 0-120° by week 10

Timeline & Phases

Phase 1 (0-6 wks): 50% WB then WBAT, brace 0-90°, quad sets/NMES, SLR 4-way, hamstring activation, balance as tolerated; Phase 2 (7-10 wks): normalize gait, ROM 0-110° until wk 8 then 0-120° by wk 10, leg press, FSU progression, stationary bike; Phase 3 (11-18+ wks): maintain full ROM, running initiation, bilateral plyometrics; Phase 4 (19-24 wks): advanced strengthening, cutting/deceleration with MD clearance; Discharge criteria: 85% LSI isokinetics at 180/300°/sec, hop test >85% LSI

Notes

4 phases; avoid patellar lateralization throughout; ROM targets: 0-110° by week 8, 0-120° by week 10; isokinetic and hop testing at discharge; medical clearance required for RTS; lateral jump progression (broad jumps, single-leg landings) in Phase 4

Published

12/2024