Medial Patellofemoral Ligament
Reconstruction Rehab Protocol

Weeks 0-2

Soft Tissue

Swelling reduction & regular icing (20 min. every 2-3 hours)
Compression with tubigrip, regular rest and elevation
Calf and quads contractions
Hamstring, calf and ITB stretches

Strengthening

Static and inner range knee contractions (0-30°)
Calf pumps, hip coronal and sagittal resistance exercises

Mobility

Full Weight Bearing with crutches until balance and gait pattern normalizes

ROM

Active and passive ROM (0-90°)

Bracing

PF brace over tubigip from day 1s

Weeks 2-6

Soft Tissue

Medial PF glides to commence (no lateral glides)
Daily scar massage

Strengthening

Progress to eccentric WB quads sets (with hip in neutral and internal rotation only)
Employ biofeedback when appropriate
Stationary bike
Low resistance squat and leg press (0-45°)

Mobility

Gait re-training aiming to optimize heel strike and toe off

ROM

Gradual restoration of full active and passive ROM

Bracing

PF brace over tubigrip

Weeks 6-12

Soft Tissue

Commence lateral, superior and inferior PF glides
Foam roller for ITB, gluts, calf and HS releases

Strengthening

Progress to gym-focused program
Leg press and squat (0-60°), calf raises, hip abduction, hip adduction, hip flexor, HS curls
Proprioceptive re-training e.g. wobble board and mini-tramp
No open chain exercises, deep lunges

Aerobic

Add elliptical trainer / stepper machine / rower machine
Freestyle swimming to commence

Bracing

PF taping during rehabilitation
PF brace during all other activities

Weeks 12+

Strengthening

Progression of gym-based rehabilitation as above with increased resistance

Bracing

Discard PF brace during normal activities; PF taping during sports for minimum 1-2 years

Sports-specific activities

Commence jogging and swimming with flipper 2 -3 months PEP program including lateral movements, single leg hops and landing techniques Return to sports once all mile stones met and cleared by Dr Seeto

Do you need a

Knee replacement?

Dr Seeto in affiliation with Medibank Private and East Sydney Private hospital, offers a program for eligible Medibank Private Members, to eliminate medical out of pocket costs for your Knee Replacement.

The program includes a pre-surgery preparation program, spending the minimal time necessary in hospital, as well as home rehabilitation if necessary.