Soft Tissue Lengthening — Iliopsoas Lengthening (Intramuscular at Pelvic Brim)

Children's Colorado / Center for Gait and Movement Analysis (CGMA) · CGMA Physical Therapy Team, Children's Colorado

Weight-Bearing

WBAT immediately; majority of time in prone x 3 weeks

Key Restrictions

Avoid active/forceful hip flexion x 3 weeks; no impact x 3 weeks; no prolonged sitting (allows hip flexors to shorten); prone positioning majority of day including at school; no pillows under torso/hips in prone

Timeline & Phases

Phase 1 (days 1-7): prone lying, gentle PROM/AAROM, isometrics (glutes/quads/hamstrings); Phase 2 (days 8-21): abdominal strengthening, gait training/slow treadmill; Phase 3 (day 22+): scar mobility, hip extensor strengthening (bridging/step ups/stairs), trailing limb posture; return to full activity ~3 months

Notes

Pediatric; indication is iliopsoas contracture with positive Ely/Thomas tests and anterior pelvic tilt; tendon released at AIIS; default to most conservative guidelines when combined with other procedures; Children's Colorado CGMA

Surgeon / Author

CGMA Physical Therapy Team, Children's Colorado

Published

October 2007