Quad / Patellar Tendon Repair — Patellar Tendon and Quadriceps Tendon Repair

UW Health Sports Medicine · UW Health Sports Rehabilitation; UW Health Sports Medicine Physician group

Weight-Bearing

WBAT with dial brace locked in extension and axillary crutches

Key Restrictions

Dial brace locked in extension at all times except during rehab exercises; no active knee extension weeks 3-6; WB knee flexion <70° for 12 weeks; avoid forceful eccentrics; no impact until Phase V (~4 months)

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (0-2 wks): WBAT + locked brace; Phase II (2-6 wks): normalize gait, ROM 0-90° (no active quad extension); Phase III (6-12 wks): brace open 30-40°, active quad contractions, CKC 0-40°; Phase IV (12 wks+): full ROM, single leg balance, CKC to 70°; Phase V (4 mo+): impact, RTS (surgeon and PT clearance)

Notes

Covers both patellar tendon and quadriceps tendon repairs. Relaxing suture placed at surgery for additional protection. No active knee extension until Phase III. ROM limits may be modified by surgeon based on repair integrity. 5-phase criterion-based protocol.

Surgeon / Author

UW Health Sports Rehabilitation; UW Health Sports Medicine Physician group

Published

2018-02