Your patellar tendon runs underneath the kneecap, connecting it to your shinbone. You use the patellar tendon, along with your quadriceps muscles and quadriceps tendon to straighten the knee. A patellar tendon rupture signifies the tendon is completely torn, meaning it will require surgical repair. Following a patellar tendon rupture, your physician will utilize pain management techniques and physical therapy to regain range of motion in the knee.
Following Surgery
Immediately following surgery, your physician will likely recommend immobilizing the knee with a specialized brace or leg cast. In the two weeks following surgery, your light rehabilitation exercises may be prescribed, such as lightly touching the toe to the floor. This helps to stimulate circulation to the leg preventing blood clots. The toe touch exercise will also help you grow accustomed to putting more weight on your leg. After about six weeks, you should be able to put your full weight on your leg. While you may not fully straighten the leg, your physician may recommend isometric training exercises that involve contracting the quadriceps and hamstring muscles to provide strength when you are able to exercise the knee.
A Different Approach
A variety of surgical approaches exist to repair the patellar tendon. In some instances, your physician may recommend an "immediate motion" rehabilitation plan. This means your physician may recommend motion exercises, such as straightening the leg, more quickly than the first six weeks following surgery. Exercise examples include pulling the foot back slightly while seated to stretch the front of the knee or raising the lower leg to straighten the knee.
Six to 12 Weeks After Rehabilitation
If your physician recommends a traditional approach to rehabilitation, he may include exercises to strengthen the hamstring and quadriceps muscles and to achieve range of motion in the knee. Examples include straight leg raises, where you sit on the floor and slowly lift the leg off the floor. Your physical therapist also may recommend gait-training exercises, which helps you to begin walking on your affected leg. You still may be asked to wear a knee brace or keep your knee immobilized for a period of time to continue improving stability.
12 Weeks and Beyond
After you have reached the three-month mark following surgery, your physical therapist may recommend rehabilitation exercises that improve your balance while on one leg. This includes standing on one leg on a pillow and maintaining your balance. Quadriceps strengthening exercises like squats and lunges also may be recommended. Providing your rehabilitation has advanced enough, you should no longer require immobilization braces.
