Patellar Tendon Repair

University of Colorado Anschutz (CU) · Dr. Eric McCarty MD

Weight-Bearing

PWB wks 1-2 brace locked ext; WBAT wks 4-5 brace locked ext; walking in hinged brace (0-60) by wk 6; walking in hinged brace (0-90) by wk 8; D/C brace wk 10

Key Restrictions

Brace locked in extension for ambulation through wk 5; ROM starts 0-30 deg at wk 2 progressing 15 deg/wk; no stationary bike until wk 12 (no resistance); D/C hinged brace at wk 10; jogging not until wk 20; return to sport and agility at 6-7 months

Timeline & Phases

Week 1-2 (PWB brace locked ext, quad sets); Week 2-4 (SLR, ROM 0-30 progress 15 deg/wk); Week 4-5 (WBAT brace locked ext); Week 6 (goal 90 deg flex, hinged brace 0-60); Week 6-8 (active ROM, progressive strengthening, hinged brace 0-90); Week 8-14 (progressive strengthening, D/C brace wk 10, stationary bike no resistance wk 12); Week 20 (progress to jogging); Month 6-7 (return to sport and agility)

Notes

.edu site; Dr. Eric McCarty MD; CU Boulder/Englewood; updated August 2023; conservative approach emphasizing prolonged brace protection; return to sport 6-7 months; jogging not until week 20 is notably conservative

Surgeon / Author

Dr. Eric McCarty MD

Published

August 2023