Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy

University Orthopedics (Brown University) · University Orthopedics Sports Medicine Division

Weight-Bearing

WBAT with crutches from POD 1; brace locked in full extension x 6 weeks; D/C brace/crutches at ~6-8 weeks

Key Restrictions

No resisted closed-chain or open-chain exercises x 6 weeks; brace locked in extension x 6 weeks; no contact sports until 6 months post-op; sutures out POD 7-10

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (0-2 wks): WBAT, CPM, quad sets/SLR in brace, SAQ 0-20 deg, e-stim; Phase II (2-4 wks): scar massage, stationary bike (no resistance), co-contractions, SLR with weight, pool therapy; Phase III (4-6 wks): full AROM, standing SLR with resistance; Phase IV (6-8 wks): D/C brace/crutches, leg press, mini squats, treadmill; Phase V (8-12 wks): hamstring/quad weight machines, proprioception, fitter; Phase VI (3-4 months): running progression (2 miles); Phase VII (4-6 months): agility/plyometrics, return to all activities; no contact sports until 6 months

Notes

CPM initiated POD 1; brace locked in extension x 6 weeks; pool therapy in deep water from Phase II; University Orthopedics (Brown University), Providence RI

Surgeon / Author

University Orthopedics Sports Medicine Division