Patellar Fracture ORIF

Mammoth Orthopedic Institute / Sierra Park PT · Brian B. Gilmer MD (US Ski Team Physician); Karly M. Dawson PA-C

Weight-Bearing

WBAT with brace locked in extension x6 weeks; DC brace in gait when quad control is adequate

Key Restrictions

Brace locked in extension x6 weeks; ROM 0-30° x2 weeks, then increase 10°/week to 90° by 6 weeks, full ROM by 8-10 weeks; no OKC quad strength x6 weeks; avoid patellofemoral pain with all exercises; avoid downhills (PF pain)

Timeline & Phases

4 phases: Phase I (0-2 wks, WBAT brace locked, ROM 0-30°, quad sets, ankle pumps), Phase II (2-6 wks, WBAT brace locked, ROM +10°/wk to 90°, initiate SLR), Phase III (6-12 wks, DC brace when quad adequate, CKC — squats/lunges/step up, full ROM by wks 8-10), Phase IV (12-18 wks, agility, bilateral to single leg plyometrics, running progression, pass RTS test)

Notes

No PT name or date listed; ROM strictly graduated at 10°/wk from wks 2-6; avoid OKC quad strength x6 wks to protect repair; avoid PF pain with all exercises and during downhills/hiking; pass return to sport test required for RTS

Surgeon / Author

Brian B. Gilmer MD (US Ski Team Physician); Karly M. Dawson PA-C