Knee — Quadriceps / Patellar Tendon Repair

Saint Louis University (SLUCare)

Weight-Bearing

WBAT with brace locked in extension; brace progressively unlocked after wk 6

Key Restrictions

WBAT with brace locked in extension wks 1-6 (HEP); passive ROM to 0-70 deg by wk 6; unlock brace 0-40 deg at wk 6; OKC knee resistance not until wk 11; running criteria wk 11: quad >75%, AROM >125 deg, hop >70%, swelling <1cm

Timeline & Phases

Wks 1-6: HEP SLR brace locked, passive ROM goal 0-70 deg; Wk 6: SP PT, patellar mob, AAROM no limits, ROM goal 0-90, bike, mini-squats, leg press 0-60 deg, unlock brace 0-40 for amb; Wk 7: retro treadmill, ball squats, 6-in step ups, 4-in step downs, ROM goal 0-115; Wk 8: bike if flex >115, 8-in step ups, SL proprioception, sport cord; Wk 9: stairmaster, brisk walking; Wk 10: outdoor bike, slide board, plyometric leg press; Wk 11: OKC resistance, jump downs, running if criteria met; Wks 12-22: running/sport progression; return to sport: full AROM, quad/hip ER >90%, hop >90%

Notes

SLU Sports Medicine; diagnosis: quadriceps or patellar tendon rupture; 6-month protocol 2-3 visits/week