Patella Tendon rehabilitation

[BCBOY2008]

5 weeks ago I fully ruptured my Patella Tendon (left). Surgey took place 48 hours after the rupture.

I have a GII Brace with 15 degree increments of adjustment for angle. My Surgeon perscribed (at the end of week 2) bending the knee at 40 degrees (passivley - no load at all) and going up 10 degrees every week till the end of week 6, then walk without the brace (knee bent). Up to the end of week 6 I can only bear weight on it if it is locked straight (no load on the patella). Since the brace I got went in 15 degree incerments I started at 30 and have gone up to 45 and am now at 60.

I had the same injury on my right knee in 2002. Different rehab. I was out of town at the time so I did not have any fololw up visits with the Ortho. He perscribed 10 weeks in the "cast", no bending at all. That knee is pretty much healed up and I am able to do most everything I use to do.

BUT, I am looking for more information on rehab this time. Already I am way ahead of last time.

Any advise would be MUCH appreciated.

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[physio.smith]

Can't really comment too much but be guided by your surgeon. You are right about not putting too much strain on your tendon..ie. walking with straight knee whilst advised. The gradual increase in movt. will allow the tendon to mobile, prevent adhesion and aid fiber realignment. Where the 2 ends are joined you need to get a good amount of scar tissue...until this has formed then forces through if need to be limited. Gentle movt. helps this scar tissue remodel and align vertically in the direction that forces are applied oncce up and running fully again.

Previously most of thes type of injuries where treated in casts and some still are, however with a little movt. you increase the amount of blood flow to the area and help the healing process to head in the right direction.

Good luck with it and see a therapist for advice, as once you start weightbearing more and increasing movt. at the knee when walking then they will be able to help ensure you get the optimum out of your rehab and prevent bad habits / compensatory movts. that may occur.