Cartiform Patella Rehabilitation Protocol
Phase I WEEK 0-6:
Weight Bearing
- Full with hinged knee brace
Brace
- 0-2 weeks: Locked in full extension. Remove for CPM and exercise only.
- 2-4 weeks: Unlocked and worn daytime only. Discontinue when quads can control SLR without extension lag
ROM
- 0-6 weeks: Use CPM 6 hrs/day
- 0-2 weeks: 0-30°
- 2-4 weeks: 0-60°
- 4-6 weeks: 0-60°
Therapeutic Exercise
- 0-2 weeks: Quad sets, SLR, calf pumps, passive leg hangs to 45° at home
- 2-6 weeks: PROM/AAROM to tolerance, patella and tibiofibular joint mobs, quad, hamstring, and glute sets, SLR, side-lying hip and core
Phase II WEEK 6-8:
Weight Bearing
- Full
Brace
- None
ROM
- Full
Therapeutic Exercise
- Advance Phase I exercise
Phase III WEEK 8-12:
Weight Bearing
- Full
Brace
- None
ROM
- Full
Therapeutic Exercise
- Gait training, begin closed chain activities: wall sits, mini-squats, toe raises, stationary bike
- Begin unilateral stance activities, balance training
Phase IV WEEK 12-6 MONTHS:
Weight Bearing
- Full
Brace
- None
ROM
- Full
Therapeutic Exercise
- Advance Phase III exercises; maximize core/glutes, pelvic stability work, eccentric hamstrings
- May advance to elliptical, bike, pool as tolerated
Phase V MONTHS 6-12+:
Weight Bearing
- Full
Brace
- None
ROM
- Full
Therapeutic Exercise
- Advance functional activity
- Return to sport-specific activity and impact when cleared by MD after 8 mos