Knee — Patellar Tendon Debridement

Saint Louis University (SLUCare)

Weight-Bearing

WBAT with brace locked in extension; DC brace wks 5-6 when quad control adequate and normal gait

Key Restrictions

WBAT with brace locked in extension wks 1-3; unlock brace 0-60 deg for amb wk 4 when quad control adequate; DC brace wks 5-6; OKC knee resistance not until wk 11; running criteria wk 11: quad >75%, AROM >125 deg, hop >70%, swelling <1cm

Timeline & Phases

Wks 1-3: HEP SLR brace locked, AAROM goal 45-90 deg; Wks 3-4: SP PT, patellar mob, scar massage, ROM goal 0-90, bike, leg press 0-60, unlock brace 0-60 for amb; Wks 5-6: mini-squats, 4-in step ups, DC brace, leg press 0-90, AAROM no limits goal 0-120, retro treadmill; Wk 7: ball/wall squats, eccentric leg press, 6-in step ups, 4-in step downs, goal 0-130; Wk 8: 8-in step ups, 4-in step downs, SL proprioception, sport cord, squats 0-90; Wk 9: stairmaster, brisk walking, 6-in step downs; Wk 10: outdoor bike, slide board, plyometric leg press, 8-in step downs; Wk 11: OKC resistance, jump downs, running if criteria met; Wks 12-22: running/sport progression

Notes

SLU Sports Medicine; diagnosis: patellar tendinopathy; 4-month protocol 2-3 visits/week