Knee — Patellofemoral Microfracture

Saint Louis University (SLUCare)

Weight-Bearing

NWB wks 1-2; WBAT in brace locked in extension wks 2-6; progressive WBAT from wk 6 as quad control allows

Key Restrictions

NWB first 2 weeks; WBAT brace locked in extension wks 2-6; avoid descending stairs reciprocally until adequate quad control; no running/sport until adequate strength; running starts at 4 months if 8-in step down satisfactory

Timeline & Phases

Wks 1-6: NWB first 2 weeks then WBAT brace locked, HEP ROM 0-90 deg; Wks 6-14: progressive WBAT, AAROM, patellar mob, SLRs, short-crank bike then standard (ROM >115 deg), leg press, squat 0-60 deg, step program, stairmaster, retro treadmill, elliptical; Wks 14-22: squat progression, lunges, forward running at 4 months, agility, plyometrics, isokinetics; discharge: hop test >85% and isokinetic >85% limb symmetry

Notes

SLU Sports Medicine; diagnosis: articular cartilage lesion patella/trochlea; 4-month protocol 2-3 visits/week