Routines for rebuilding strength and endurance after posterolateral corner surgery.

First published 2009 by Dr Frank R Noyes, and reviewed August 2023 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

 

Phase 6 of rehabilitation focuses on increasing strength and endurance.

Below I have given you an overview of our own rehabilitation protocol for this phase, and on the right you will be able to click through to the detailed protocols for each phase.

 

Phase 6. Weeks 13-26 (Visits: 2-3)

General observation No effusion, painless ROM, joint stability

Performs activities of daily living, can walk 20 minutes without pain

ROM 0°-130°

Custom medial unloader brace or hinged soft tissue brace
 
Evaluation   Goals
  Pain Minimal/No RSD
  Manual muscle test 4/5
  Swelling Minimal
  Patellar mobility Good
  Crepitus None/slight
  Gait Symmetrical
Frequency   Duration
  Range of Motion  
2x/day, 10 mins Hamstring, gastroc-soleus, quad, ITB stretches 5 reps x 30 secs
  Strengthening  
2x/day, 20 mins Straight leg raises, rubber tubing (high speed) 3 sets x 30 reps
  Hamstring curls (active, 0°-90°) 3 sets x 10 reps
  Knee extension with resistance (90°-30°) 3 sets x 10 reps
  Leg press (70°-10°) 3 sets x 10 reps
  Multi-hip machine (flexion, extension, abduction, adduction) 3 sets x 10 reps
  Closed-chain: Mini-squats (rubber tubing, 0°-40°) 3 sets x 20 reps
  Balance training  
1-3x/day, 5 mins Balance board/2 legged  
  Single leg stance  
  Aerobic conditioning (patellofemoral precautions)  
3x/week, 20 mins Water-walking  
  Swimming (kicking)  
  Walking  
  Stair machine (low resistance, low stroke)  
  Ski machine (short stride, level, low resistance)  
  Modalities  
As required Cryotherapy 20 minutes
Goals Increase strength and endurance  

 


PREVIOUS PART: Rehabilitation protocol after posterolateral corner surgery - Phase 5. Weeks 9-12 (Visits: 1-2)

NEXT PART: Rehabilitation protocol after posterolateral corner surgery - Phase 7. Weeks 27-52 (Visits: 2-3)

-