Quad / Patellar Tendon Repair — Quadriceps and Patellar Tendon Repair

University of Delaware Physical Therapy · UDPT Clinical Team

Weight-Bearing

Full WB with immobilizer weeks 1-2; immobilizer until no quad lag and ≥ 90° flexion (approx 3-4 weeks); progressive variable-locking brace to increase ROM with ambulation after that

Key Restrictions

No MVIC with quad tendon repair until 8-12 weeks; no MVIC with patellar tendon repair until 6-8 weeks; progress ROM cautiously to protect repair integrity; Burst test ok at 16 weeks; running when 90% ROM and 80% strength; plyometrics when full ROM and > 90% quad strength

Timeline & Phases

Weeks 1-2, Weeks 3-4, Weeks 5-6, Weeks 7-12 (MVIC at 12 weeks), Weeks 13-16 (Burst test at 16 weeks), Weeks 19-28 (sport-specific); 24-43 visits expected

Notes

University of Delaware PT Clinic; tension suture technique; covers both quadriceps and patellar tendon repair; NMES started at 30° in weeks 1-2, progressed to 45° by weeks 5-6; high-speed isokinetics (180°/sec) at weeks 5-6; variable-locking brace prevents excess flexion during slips; plyometrics begin medial/lateral before vertical

Surgeon / Author

UDPT Clinical Team