At this phase of rehabilitation after posterolateral corner surgery, the focus is upon range of motion.
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 4. Weeks 7-8 (Visits: 1-2)
Phase 4 of rehabilitation focuses on re-establishing stable weight-bearing and building up the range of motion.
| General observation |
Full weight bearing with cane when: - Pain controlled - Hemarthrosis controlled - ROM 0-120° - Voluntary quad contraction achieved |
|
|---|---|---|
| Custom medial unloader brace or hinged soft tissue brace | ||
| Evaluation | Goals | |
| Pain | Mild/No RSD | |
| Effusion | Minimal | |
| Patellar mobility | Good | |
| ROM | 0-120 degrees | |
| Muscle control | 4/5 | |
| Inflammatory response | None | |
| Frequency | Duration | |
| Range of motion | ||
| 2x/day, 10 mins | ROM 0°-120° | |
| Patella mobilization | ||
| Hamstring, gastroc-soleus stretches | 5 reps x 30 secs | |
| Strengthening | ||
| 2x/day, 20 mins | Straight leg raises (flexion, extension, abduction, adduction) | 3 sets x 10 reps |
| Straight leg raises, rubber tubing | 3 sets x 30 reps | |
| Knee extension (active, 90°-30°) | 3 sets x 10 reps | |
| Closed-chain | ||
| - Wall sits | to fatigue x3 | |
| - Mini-squats (rubber tubing, 0°-30°) | 3 sets x 20 reps | |
| Balance training | ||
| 3x/day, 5 mins | Cup walking | |
| Aerobic conditioning | ||
| 1-2x/day, 15 mins | UBC | |
| Stationary bicycle | ||
| Gait retraining | ||
| Progress program | ||
| Continue to observe for varus thrust, hyperextension | ||
| Modalities | ||
| As required | electrical muscle stimulation | 20 minutes |
| cryotherapy | 20 minutes | |
| Goals | Full weight bearing | |
| Muscle control | ||
| Control inflammation, effusion | ||
| ROM 0°-120° |