At this phase of rehabilitation after posterolateral corner surgery, the focus is upon range of motion.
First published 2009 by Dr Frank R Noyes, and reviewed August 2023 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)
Rehabilitation protocol after posterolateral corner surgery - course
- Rehabilitation after posterolateral corner surgery
- Rehabilitation protocol after posterolateral corner surgery
- Rehabilitation protocol after posterolateral corner surgery - Phase 1. Weeks 1-2 (Visits: 2-4)
- Rehabilitation protocol after posterolateral corner surgery - Phase 2. Weeks 3-4 (Visits: 2-4)
- Rehabilitation protocol after posterolateral corner surgery - Phase 3. Weeks 5-6 (Visits: 1-2)
- Rehabilitation protocol after posterolateral corner surgery - Phase 4. Weeks 7-8 (Visits: 1-2)
- Rehabilitation protocol after posterolateral corner surgery - Phase 5. Weeks 9-12 (Visits: 1-2)
- Rehabilitation protocol after posterolateral corner surgery - Phase 6. Weeks 13-26 (Visits: 2-3)
- Rehabilitation protocol after posterolateral corner surgery - Phase 7. Weeks 27-52 (Visits: 2-3)
Related course: Posterolateral corner injuries of the knee
Phase 4. Weeks 7-8 (Visits: 1-2)
Phase 4 of rehabilitation focuses on re-establishing stable weight-bearing and building up the range of motion.
General observation | Full weight bearing with cane when: - Pain controlled - Hemarthrosis controlled - ROM 0-120° - Voluntary quad contraction achieved |
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Custom medial unloader brace or hinged soft tissue brace | ||
Evaluation | Goals | |
Pain | Mild/No RSD | |
Effusion | Minimal | |
Patellar mobility | Good | |
ROM | 0-120 degrees | |
Muscle control | 4/5 | |
Inflammatory response | None | |
Frequency | Duration | |
Range of motion | ||
2x/day, 10 mins | ROM 0°-120° | |
Patella mobilization | ||
Hamstring, gastroc-soleus stretches | 5 reps x 30 secs | |
Strengthening | ||
2x/day, 20 mins | Straight leg raises (flexion, extension, abduction, adduction) | 3 sets x 10 reps |
Straight leg raises, rubber tubing | 3 sets x 30 reps | |
Knee extension (active, 90°-30°) | 3 sets x 10 reps | |
Closed-chain | ||
- Wall sits | to fatigue x3 | |
- Mini-squats (rubber tubing, 0°-30°) | 3 sets x 20 reps | |
Balance training | ||
3x/day, 5 mins | Cup walking | |
Aerobic conditioning | ||
1-2x/day, 15 mins | UBC | |
Stationary bicycle | ||
Gait retraining | ||
Progress program | ||
Continue to observe for varus thrust, hyperextension | ||
Modalities | ||
As required | electrical muscle stimulation | 20 minutes |
cryotherapy | 20 minutes | |
Goals | Full weight bearing | |
Muscle control | ||
Control inflammation, effusion | ||
ROM 0°-120° |
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