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REHAB PROTOCOL · KNEE

Quadriceps & Patellar Tendon Repair 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.
0–6 Weeks
PROTECT THE REPAIR
6–12 Weeks
MOTION & STRENGTH
3–6 Months
RETURN TO FUNCTION

0–6 WeeksPROTECT THE REPAIR

  • •Weight bearing as tolerated Brace locked in extension 0–6 weeks
ROM
  • •0–30° Weeks 0–2; 0–60° Weeks 2–4; 0–90° Weeks 4–6; patella mobilization; SLR supine with brace locked at 0°, Quad Sets
  • •Ankle Pumps
GOALS  Brace per protocol

6–12 WeeksMOTION & STRENGTH

  • •Unlock brace for ambulating; week 7 0–45° on brace for ambulation; week 8 0–60° on brace for ambulation
  • •Wean from brace as tolerated after week 8; may discontinue crutches when gait normalized; normalize ROM. no limits.
  • •Begin short crank ergometry and progress to; standard (170mm) ergometry (if knee ROM > 115°); advance quad strengthening
  • •Mini Squats / Weight Shift
GOALS  Wean brace

3–6 MonthsRETURN TO FUNCTION

  • •Normal gait, WBAT with no assist; full, normal ROM; leg press, squats; initiate running/jogging
  • •Isotonic Knee Extensions (90–40°, closed chain preferred); agility exercises (sport cord); versaclimber/Nordic track
  • •Normalize quad strength
GOALS  No extensor lag

Return to Sport & Discharge Criteria

  • •Full ROM with no extensor lag; no effusion
  • •Quad strength ≥90%; hop symmetry ≥90% where sport demands
  • •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

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