MPFL Reconstruction — MPFL Repair and Reconstruction

UW Health Sports Medicine · UW Health Sports Medicine

Weight-Bearing

WBAT with crutches; post-op brace locked in extension initially

Key Restrictions

Post-op brace locked in extension; avoid rotational knee movements; no impact until Phase III (12+ weeks); NMES recommended for quad strengthening throughout Phase I-II

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (0-6 wks): crutches + locked brace, ROM goal 90°, normalize gait; Phase II (6-12 wks): CKC strength, LSI >90% single leg press/Y-Balance, quad deficit <30%; Phase III (12-16 wks): impact drills, return-to-run; Phase IV (20+ wks): RTS (quad deficit <10%, hop test LSI >90%)

Notes

Covers both repair and reconstruction. NMES dosing appendix with Spector et al. algorithm included. Modifications for associated patellar/trochlear chondroplasty noted. RTS requires surgeon and PT/ATC clearance plus functional testing.

Surgeon / Author

UW Health Sports Medicine