Routines for rebuilding strength and endurance 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 6 of rehabilitation focuses on increasing 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 6. Weeks 13-26 (Visits: 2-3)
| General observation |
No effusion, painless ROM, joint stability Performs activities of daily living, can walk 20 minutes without pain ROM 0°-130° Custom medial unloader brace or hinged soft tissue brace |
|
|---|---|---|
| Evaluation | Goals | |
| Pain | Minimal/No RSD | |
| Manual muscle test | 4/5 | |
| Swelling | Minimal | |
| Patellar mobility | Good | |
| Crepitus | None/slight | |
| Gait | Symmetrical | |
| Frequency | Duration | |
| Range of Motion | ||
| 2x/day, 10 mins | Hamstring, gastroc-soleus, quad, ITB stretches | 5 reps x 30 secs |
| Strengthening | ||
| 2x/day, 20 mins | Straight leg raises, rubber tubing (high speed) | 3 sets x 30 reps |
| Hamstring curls (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 | |
| 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 mins | Water-walking | |
| Swimming (kicking) | ||
| Walking | ||
| Stair machine (low resistance, low stroke) | ||
| Ski machine (short stride, level, low resistance) | ||
| Modalities | ||
| As required | Cryotherapy | 20 minutes |
| Goals | Increase strength and endurance |