REHABILITATION

Rehabilitation after cartilage repair

Microfracture Rehabilitation

Basic science evidence has demonstrated that compressive loading may have a positive impact on articular cartilage healing. Shear loading is detrimental. Rehabilitation for microfracture depends on lesion size, location and other concomitant surgery.

Reinold MM, Wilk KE, Macrina LC, Dugas JR, Cain EL. Current concepts in the rehabilitation following articular cartilage repair procedures in the knee. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2006 Oct;36(10):774-94. Review

Irrgang JJ, Pezzullo D: Rehabilitation following surgical procedures to address articular cartilage lesions of the knee. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 28:232-240, 1998.

Biomechanical considerations for rehabilitation of the knee. Clinical Biomechanics 15: 160-166, 2000

Recommended programme for Microfracture

1 Femoral or tibial lesions

2 Patello-femoral lesions

  • Use knee brace restricting flexion to avoid lesion coming in to contact with patella/trochlea (usually 0-20) for 8 weeks
  • Continue passive mobilisation and start early weight bearing in brace
  • Avoid lesion contact point with resistance exercises for 4 months
  • Similar rehabilitation after 12 weeks

Steadman RJ, Rodkey WG, Rodrigo JJ: Microfracture: Surgical technique and rehabilitation to treat chondral defects. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research 2001; 391: 362-369.

The rehabilitation could be altered for lesions smaller than 2 cm2 with earlier weight bearing and possibly avoid CPM.

Marder RA, Hopkins G Jr, Timmerman LA. Arthroscopic microfracture of chondral defects of the knee: a comparison of two postoperative treatments. Arthroscopy. 2005 Feb;21(2):152-8

Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation Rehabilitation

Femoral Condyle

Postoperative period

  • 7-10 days of extension splint to avoid shear forces on graft and allow early cell adherence
  • Some centres prefer early CPM
  • No driving for 6 weeks

Weeks One - Six

Goals -

Weeks Six - Twelve

Goals -

  • Increased loading to stimulate hyaline-like cartilage formation
  • Promote neuromuscular responses
  • Progression weight bearing as comfort allows
  • Progress duration and resistance of closed chain exercises (no weights)
  • Early plyometric exercises
  • Correct muscle balance as indicated and gait re-education
  • Increase proprioceptive work
  • If not yet gained Full ROM (or not improving range) refer back to medical team for opinion

Three - Six Months

Goals -

  • Strength and endurance training
  • Improve stability and proprioception
  • Cycling
  • Treadmill - supervised only
  • Squatting
  • Exercise bike - increase resistance as able

Six Months - One Year

Goals -

  • Increase endurance and confidence
  • Injury prevention
  • Increase agility after 9 months
  • Jog/Run unsupervised
  • Plyometric exercises
  • Sports specific training
  • Non-contact competitive sports (on agreement with consultant)
  • Progressive gym work

One Year Onwards

  • Return to all sports - after clinic review with medical team
  • No limitations in activities
  • All gym work

Patella/Trochlea

Avoid open chain exercises beyond 30 degrees flexion for the first 6 weeks

Passive full range of motion to be regained as for femur

Weight bearing could be progressed earlier

Reference

Active trial rehabilitation programme
http://www.active-trial.org.uk/ACTIVESite/RehabPhysios.htm

Stanmore ACI protocol
Bailey A, Goodstone N, Roberts S. et al Rehabilitation after Oswestry autologous chondrocyte implantation: the Oscell protocol. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation 2003 12:104-118

Correct rehabilitation is extremely important for success of cartilage repair techniques. 
      
© Knee Joint Surgery 2010


All the content are provided for information only and though of high quality do NOT constitute professional medical advice.
Please consult a specialist for advice on your condition.