The clinical team will be keeping an eye out for complications during this early phase of rehab after posterolateral corner surgery.
First published 2009 by Dr Frank R Noyes, and reviewed August 2023 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)
Related course:Posterolateral corner injuries of the knee
Phase 1. Weeks 1-2 (Visits: 2-4)
Phase 1 of rehabilitation focuses on maintaining reasonable range of motion in spite of the surgical inflammatory response.
| General observation | Non-weight bearing, maximum protection | |
|---|---|---|
| Bivalved cylinder cast | ||
| Must avoid hyperextension, varus loads, lateral joint opening | ||
| Evaluation | Goals | |
| Pain | Controlled | |
| Hemarthrosis | 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 | ||
| 3x/day, 15 mins | Straight leg raises (flexion) | 3 sets x 10 reps |
| Active quadriceps isometrics | 1 set x 10 reps | |
| Knee extension (active-assisted, 90°-30°, per quad control) | 3 sets x 10 reps | |
| Modalities | ||
| As required | electrical muscle stimulation | 20 minutes |
| cryotherapy | 20 minutes | |
| Goals | ROM 0°-90° | |
| Adequate quadriceps contraction | ||
| Control inflammation, effusion |