Quad / Patellar Tendon Repair — Quadriceps / Patella Tendon Repair

University Orthopedics (Brown University) · Sports Medicine Division (affiliated with Brown Alpert Medical School)

Weight-Bearing

PWB with 2 crutches and brace locked in full extension wks 0-2; WBAT with crutches and brace wks 3-6; discharge brace and progress off crutches wks 7-12

Key Restrictions

Knee immobilizer or hinged brace to protect repair; PROM 0-30 deg wks 0-2, goal 90 deg by 6 wks; SLRs only with brace locked (Phase III); patients with additional surgery progress at different rates; criteria of each phase emphasized over duration

Timeline & Phases

5 phases: Phase I (~0-2 wks, protect repair, PROM 0-30 deg, PWB in locked brace, ankle pumps, quad/hamstring/adductor isometrics, NMES as needed), Phase II (~3-6 wks, WBAT in brace, PROM goal 90 deg by 6 wks, hip abduction/adduction/extension strengthening), Phase III (~7-12 wks, full ROM, discharge brace and crutches, SLRs in locked brace, quarter squats, wall slides, balance, stationary bike), Phase IV (~13-16 wks, open and closed chain strengthening, balance and proprioception), Phase V (~16-24 wks, walk-jog progression, plyometric drop landings, sport-specific training)

Notes

University Orthopedics (Brown University affiliated) Sports Medicine Division; NMES for quad activation as needed; criterion emphasis over approximate durations; designed to be administered by a licensed PT or ATC

Surgeon / Author

Sports Medicine Division (affiliated with Brown Alpert Medical School)