Regaining muscle control is important in this phase of rehabilitation after posterolateral corner surgery.
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 2. Weeks 3-4 (Visits: 2-4)
Phase 2 of rehabilitation focuses on regaining muscle control and maintaining range of motion.
General observation | Non-weight bearing, maximum protection | |
Bivalved cylinder cast | ||
Must avoid hyperextension, varus loads, lateral joint opening | ||
Evaluation | Goals | |
Pain | Controlled | |
Effusion | Mild | |
Patellar mobility | Good | |
ROM minimum | 0-90 degrees | |
Quadriceps contraction & patella migration | Good | |
Soft tissue contracture | None | |
Frequency | Duration | |
Range of motion | ||
3-4x/day, 10 mins | ROM (passive, 0°-90°) | |
Patella mobilization | ||
Ankle pumps (plantar flexion with resistance band) | ||
Hamstring, gastroc-soleus stretches | 5 reps x 30 secs | |
Strengthening | ||
2-3x/day, 20 mins | Straight leg raises (flexion) | 3 sets x 10 reps |
Isometric training: multi-angle (0°, 60°) | 1 set x 10 reps | |
Knee extension (active-assisted, 90°-30°, per quad control) | 3 sets x 10 reps | |
Aerobic conditioning | ||
2x/day, 10 mins | UBC | |
Modalities | ||
As required | electrical muscle stimulation | 20 minutes |
cryotherapy | 20 minutes | |
Goals | ROM 0°-90° | |
Control inflammation, effusion | ||
Muscle control |
PREVIOUS PART: Rehabilitation protocol after posterolateral corner surgery - Phase 1. Weeks 1-2 (Visits: 2-4)
NEXT PART: Rehabilitation protocol after posterolateral corner surgery - Phase 3. Weeks 5-6 (Visits: 1-2)
-