Download Rehabilitation Protocols for Patella ORIF

Weeks 0-2

  • Knee Immobilizer – wear at all times locked in extension
  • Weight-bearing as tolerated with the knee locked in extension.
  • No ROM

Weeks 2-6 Weeks

  • Knee Brace – wear with weight-bearing activities, still locked in full extension with ambulation. Brace maybe removed at night. Can unlock brace when sitting
  • Weight-bearing as tolerated with the knee locked in extension.
  • Range of Motion: add 20 degrees of flexion each week as tolerated. The goal is 90 degrees of flexion by week 6. Emphasis on full extension
  • Therapeutic Exercises: Isometric quadriceps, hamstring, adductor, abductor strengthening; ankle Thera band exercises. Initiate straight leg raises. Mini squats

Weeks 6-10 Weeks

  • Knee Brace – wear with weight-bearing activities, unlocked with all activities. Discontinue knee brace once quad control is adequate.
  • Range of Motion: AROM / AAROM / PROM, progress to full ROM by post-op Week 8.
  • Therapeutic Exercises: Add double leg strength training. Leg press, mini squats, hamstring curls, weight shifts
  • May begin upright stationary bike without resistance
  • Knee Brace – discontinue when quad strength

Weeks 10-16

  • Progress with single and double leg strength training
  • Initiate Step-Up/Step-Down program
  • Lunges
  • Proprioception training
  • Retrograde treadmill

>16 weeks

  • Begin running progression
  • Initiate agility training
  • Return to sport program

Please note that these instructions are general guidelines to be followed; however, any written or verbal instructions provided by Dr. Nwachukwu supersede the instructions below and should be followed.