These routines are relevant towards the end of rehabilitation after posterolateral corner surgery.

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

 

Phase 7 of rehabilitation focuses on returning to the previous activity level.

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 7.  Weeks 27-52 (Visits: 2-3)

General observation No effusion, painless ROM, joint stability

Performs ADL, can walk 20 minutes without pain

Custom medial unloader brace or hinged soft tissue brace
 
Evaluation   Goals
  Isometric test (% diff quads & hams) 10-15
  Swelling None
  Patellar mobility Good
  Crepitus None/slight
Frequency   Duration
  Range of Motion  
2x/day, 10 mins Hamstring, gastroc-soleus, quad, ITB stretches 5 reps x 30 secs
  Strengthening  
1x/day, 20-30 mins Straight leg raises, rubber tubing (high speed) 3 sets x 30 reps
  Hamstring curls (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, 20-30 mins Stationary bicycling  
  Water-walking  
  Swimming (kicking)  
  Walking  
  Stair machine (low resistance, low stroke)  
  Ski machine (short stride, level, low resistance)  
  Running program (9 mos. minimum, straight, 30% deficit isometric test)  
3x/ week, 15-20 mins Jog 1/4 mile
  Walk 1/8 mile
  Backward run 20 yards
  Cutting program (12 mos. minimum, 20% deficit isometric test)  
3x/week Lateral, carioca, figure 8’s 20 yards
  Functional training (12 mos. minimum)  
3x/week Plyometric training: box hops, level, double-leg 15 secs
  Sport specific drills (10-15% deficit isometric test) 4-5 sets
  Modalities  
As required Cryotherapy 20 minutes
Goals Increase function

Return to previous activity level

Maintain strength, endurance
 

 


PREVIOUS PART: Rehabilitation protocol after posterolateral corner surgery - Phase 6. Weeks 13-26 (Visits: 2-3)

END OF COURSE.

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