Patellar tendon repair: postoperative treatment.
OBJECTIVE
To compare results of patellar tendon repair after early and delayed postoperative mobilization.


METHODS
Two separate treatment groups, comparing 2 treatment alternatives at different time periods (before-after trial).


METHODS
Postoperative rehabilitation of 10 men who underwent patellar tendon repair.


METHODS
Delayed mobilization group: weight-bearing in a cast and isometric lower-extremity exercises for 6 weeks; active flexion and extension exercises thereafter. Early mobilization group: weight-bearing in an extension brace, isometric lower-extremity exercises, prone active knee flexion, and passive knee extension for 6 weeks; active flexion and extension exercises thereafter. Sixteen-month minimum follow-up.


RESULTS
Clinical (physical) findings were: 2 excellent, 1 good, 2 fair in the delayed-mobilization group; 1 excellent, 3 good, 1 fair in early-mobilization group. Functional (pain and activity level) findings were: 2 good, 2 fair, 1 poor in the delayed-mobilization group; 3 good, 1 fair, 1 poor in the early-mobilization group.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinical and functional results were similar for both treatment groups. Further study is required to determine any significant long-term differences between rehabilitation methods.
Enad
J G
JG
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, VA 23708, USA.
Loomis
L L
LL
D000328:Adult; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D008297:Male; D017847:Patellar Ligament / Q000601:surgery*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012421:Rupture; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome