OATS Procedure Rehabilitation Protocols
4 OATS Procedure rehabilitation protocols from 4 institutions, published 2014–2024. Weight-bearing progressions vary by institution — compare them in the table below before selecting a protocol.
Compare by institution
| Institution | Weight-Bearing | Key Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| iOrtho | NWB x2 weeks all lesions; partial WB per lesion location/size; FWB by 6-10 weeks | Hinged brace locked in extension; CPM immediately post-op; no impact until MD cleared |
| Lahey Hospital & Medical Center — Microfracture and… | NWB → TTWB → Partial → FWB | NWB + brace locked 0-2 wks; TTWB 3-4 wks; partial 50-75% 5-6 wks; partial 75% 7-8 wks; FWB when pain/effusion… |
| Mammoth Orthopedic Institute / Sierra Park PT — OATS… | TTWB x6 weeks; WB 25%/week to full WB; crutches weaning off by 8-10 weeks | TTWB x6 weeks; brace locked 0° for ambulation x6 weeks; graduated ROM (0-90° wks 1-2, 0-110° wks 3-4, 0-130°… |
| UW Health Sports Medicine — Osteochondral Allograft/Autograft… | PWB 20-25% weeks 1-6; locked extension brace 0-6 weeks | PWB 20-25% for 6 weeks; locked extension brace 6 weeks; ROM exercises 4-6 hrs/day Phase I; ROM progression… |
All 4 OATS Procedure protocols
OATS Procedure
iOrtho
OATS Procedure — Microfracture and Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation (OATS)
Lahey Hospital & Medical Center
OATS Procedure — OATS Transplant of Femoral Condyle (Allograft)
Mammoth Orthopedic Institute / Sierra Park PT
OATS Procedure — Osteochondral Allograft/Autograft Transplantation (OATS)
UW Health Sports Medicine