At this stage of rehabilitation after posterolateral corner surgery the focus is upon gait, strength and endurance.

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

 

Phase 5 of knee rehabilitation focuses on improving gait, and building up 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 5. Weeks 9-10 (Visits: 1-2)

 

General observation Full weight bearing (wk 12) when:

- Pain, effusion controlled

- Muscle control throughout ROM
 
  ROM 0°-135°  
  Custom medial unloader brace or hinged soft tissue brace  
Evaluation   Goals
  Pain Minimal/No RSD
  Manual muscle test 4/5
  - Hamstrings, quadriceps, hip abductors/adductors/flexors/extensors  
  Swelling Minimal
  Patellar mobility Good
  Crepitus None/slight
  Gait Symmetrical
Frequency Range of Motion Duration
2x/day, 10 mins Hamstring, gastroc-soleus, quad, ITB stretches 5 reps x 30 secs
  Strengthening  
2x/day, 20 mins Straight leg raises 3 sets x 10 reps
  Straight leg raises, rubber tubing 3 sets x 30 reps
  Hamstring curls (week 12, 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
  Closed-chain  
  - Wall sits to fatigue x 3
  - Mini-squats (rubber tubing, 0°-40°) 3 sets x 20 reps
  - Lateral step-ups (2-4” block) 3 sets x 10 reps
  Multi-hip machine (flexion, extension, abduction, adduction) 3 sets x 10 reps
  Balance training  
3x/day, 5 mins Cup walking  
  Aerobic conditioning (patellofemoral precautions)  
1-2x/day, 15-20 mins Water-walking  
  Swimming  
  Stationary bicycling  
  Progress program  
  Stair machine (low resistance, low stroke)  
  Modalities  
As required cryotherapy 20 minutes
Goals Increase strength and endurance  
  ROM 0°-130°  
  Normal gait without varus, hyperextension  

 


PREVIOUS PART: Rehabilitation protocol after posterolateral corner surgery - Phase 4. Weeks 7-8 (Visits: 1-2)

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

-