Shayne Kelly DO logoShayne Kelly, DOOrthopedic Sports Medicine

Home  /  Recovery Protocols  /  Knee

REHAB PROTOCOL · KNEE

MPFL Reconstruction Rehab Protocol

By Dr. Shayne Kelly, DO — Fellowship-Trained Sports Medicine Surgeon · Tri-City Orthopedics, Kennewick, WA

The written protocol Dr. Kelly provides to his patients and their physical therapists in the Tri-Cities. Time frames are guidelines — progression is criteria-based, and your own post-op instructions always govern.

⬇  Printable protocol (PDF)Request an appointment →
Educational information, not medical advice. This is not a substitute for the specific instructions Dr. Kelly and your physical therapist give you. Your timeline depends on your surgery, your body, and your progress. Follow your own care team's directions. In an emergency, call 911.
0–2 Weeks
EARLY PROTECTION
2–4 Weeks
MOTION & GAIT
4–6 Weeks
FULL MOTION
6–14 Weeks
BUILD STRENGTH
14–22 Weeks
RUNNING & AGILITY
22+ Weeks
RETURN TO SPORT

0–2 WeeksEARLY PROTECTION

  • •Weight bearing as tolerated, Brace locked at 0° for ambulation and sleeping
  • •ROM: 0–30° with emphasis on full extension; SLR supine with brace locked at 0°, Quad Sets; ankle pumps
  • •If cartilage repair is done patient will be Heel Touch Weight bearing for 6 weeks.
GOALS  Full extension

2–4 WeeksMOTION & GAIT

  • •Weight bearing as tolerated, Brace locked at 0° for ambulation and sleeping
  • •ROM: 0–60° (Maintain full extension); proprioception training; SLR, quad sets, ankle pumps
GOALS  Normalize gait

4–6 WeeksFULL MOTION

  • •Weight bearing as tolerated, Brace locked at 0° for ambulation and sleeping
  • •ROM: 0–90° (Maintain full extension)
GOALS  Full ROM

6–14 WeeksBUILD STRENGTH

  • •Discontinue Brace and wean from crutches; progressive squat program; initiate step-down program; leg press, lunges
  • •Isotonic Knee Extensions (90–40°, closed chain preferred); agility exercises (sport cord); versaclimber/Nordic track
  • •Retrograde treadmill ambulation
GOALS  Single-leg control

14–22 WeeksRUNNING & AGILITY

  • •Begin forward running (treadmill) program when 8” step down satisfactory; continue strengthening & flexibility program
  • •Advance Sports-Specific Agility Drills; start plyometric program
GOALS  No apprehension

22+ WeeksRETURN TO SPORT

  • •Advance Plyometric program, Return to Sport (MD Directed)
GOALS  Back on the field

Return to Sport & Discharge Criteria

  • •No patellar apprehension; full pain-free ROM
  • •Quad and hip strength ≥90%; hop symmetry ≥90%; sound jump/landing control
  • •Return to sport when cleared by Dr. Kelly

Time frames are guidelines — progress when phase goals are met, per Dr. Kelly and the treating therapist.

When to call

Increasing pain, numbness, redness, drainage from the wound, or fever/chills — call (509) 460-5588. After hours, the answering service can reach Dr. Kelly. If your issue feels emergent, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Physical therapists

Treating one of Dr. Kelly's patients? Download the printable protocol for your clinic, and call (509) 460-5588 with questions about an individual patient's progression.

⬇  Protocol PDF

Related protocols

KNEEACL ReconstructionKNEEQuadriceps & Patellar Tendon RepairKNEEMeniscus Surgery

Back on the field starts with a plan.

Fellowship-trained sports medicine care in Kennewick, Richland & Pasco.

Request an Appointment