Table 3.

Quadriceps Tendon Repair Rehabilitation Protocol

Phase	WB	Brace	Range of Motion	Exercises
I, 0 to 2 wk	As tolerated with crutches and brace	Locked in full extension for sleeping and all activity; off for exercises and hygiene	0° to 45° when non-weightbearing	Heel slides, quad sets, patellar mobs, SLRs, calf pumps
II, 2 to 8 wk	Full WB while in brace	2 to 4 wk: locked in full extension day and night 4 to 6 wk: off at night; locked in full extension daytime 8 wk: discontinue brace	2 to 3 wk: 0° to 60° 3 to 4 wk: 0° to 90° 4 to 8 wk: progress slowly as tolerated; refer to physical therapist for restrictions	Advance phase I exercises Add side-lying hip/core/glutes Begin WB calf raises No WB with flexion >90° Progress slowly as tolerated; refer to physical therapist for restrictions
III, 8 to 12 wk	Full	None	Full	Progress closed-chain activities Begin hamstring work, lunges/leg press 0° to 90°, proprioception exercises, balance/core/hip/glutes Begin stationary bike when able

SLR, straight leg raise; WB, weightbearing.