Discover the details of Patellar Tendon Repair surgery, including the procedure, recovery time, and rehabilitation process. Learn how Palms Physiotherapy helps with pre-habilitation and post-surgical recovery through personalised rehabilitation programs in our advanced therapy gym.

Patellar Tendon Repair: Procedure, Recovery & Rehabilitation

What is Patellar Tendon Repair?

Patellar Tendon Repair is a surgical procedure aimed at fixing a torn or ruptured patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). This tendon plays a vital role in knee extension and is critical for movements like running, jumping, and squatting. A rupture or tear typically occurs due to trauma, such as a sports injury, or overuse, leading to weakened tendon fibers.

Conditions Leading to Patellar Tendon Repair

• Patellar Tendon Rupture or Tear: Often caused by a sudden forceful impact, such as landing from a jump or direct trauma to the knee.

• Chronic Tendonitis: Degenerative changes in the tendon over time, leading to partial tears or inflammation.

• Overuse Injuries: Athletes, especially those involved in jumping sports, are prone to this condition.

The Procedure

1. Preoperative Preparation:

   • Your surgeon will conduct a thorough assessment using X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound to determine the extent of the tendon injury.

   • Pre-surgical physical therapy may be prescribed to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee and prepare the body for the surgery.

2. During the Procedure:

   • The surgery typically takes 1-2 hours and is performed under general anesthesia or regional anesthesia.

   • The surgeon will make an incision to access the patellar tendon. If the tendon is torn, the surgeon will reattach the torn ends using sutures or other fixation devices like anchors or screws.

   • If there is significant tendon damage, the surgeon may use a tendon graft, either from your own body (autograft) or from a donor (allograft), to replace the damaged tissue.

3. Postoperative Care:

   • After the surgery, you’ll be closely monitored for pain management, swelling reduction, and ensuring proper alignment of the tendon.

   • The use of ice and compression wraps will be essential during the first few days to minimize swelling.

Healing and Recovery Time

• Initial Recovery (Week 1):

  • In the first week, your knee will likely be immobilized in a brace or splint to keep the tendon in place while it begins to heal.

  • You may need to use crutches or a walker for assistance in moving without putting weight on the knee.

  • Early pain management will include medications prescribed by your doctor.

• Early Recovery (Weeks 2-6):

  • By Week 2, the surgeon will likely recommend gentle range-of-motion exercises to prevent stiffness.

  • The use of crutches may still be necessary to avoid placing too much stress on the tendon.

  • You may begin physical therapy to increase flexibility and mobility, with a focus on pain-free movement patterns.

• Intermediate Recovery (1-3 Months):

  • During Months 1-3, you'll begin strengthening exercises focused on the quadriceps and hamstrings, which help stabilize the knee and support the healing tendon.

  • Early weight-bearing exercises may be introduced gradually, depending on how your knee responds to initial therapy and healing.

• Full Recovery (3-6 Months):

  • Full recovery from patellar tendon repair can take anywhere from 3-6 months, with significant improvements in strength, flexibility, and overall knee function.

  • By 3-6 months, most patients can resume low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and cycling. However, high-impact activities (such as running and jumping) should be avoided for several months.

Rehabilitation After Patellar Tendon Repair

Recovery from patellar tendon repair involves a comprehensive rehabilitation process to ensure the tendon heals properly and that you regain full strength and flexibility in the knee joint. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health offers personalized rehabilitation services to guide you through this process, maximizing your recovery outcomes.

1. Pre-Habilitation:

   • We begin by preparing the knee for surgery through prehabilitation exercises. This includes strengthening the muscles around the knee, improving flexibility, and addressing any existing muscle imbalances to promote better recovery after surgery.

2. Postoperative Rehabilitation:

   • Our team of skilled physiotherapists will create a tailored rehabilitation program, focusing on regaining range of motion, muscle strength, and knee stability.

   • The rehabilitation program follows a phased approach:

3. Phase 1: Initial Recovery (Week 1-2)

   • Focus on pain management, swelling control, and maintaining early knee mobility.

   • Passive range-of-motion exercises are implemented, avoiding any stress on the healing tendon.

4. Phase 2: Early Strengthening (Week 2-6)

   • Gradual introduction of strengthening exercises for the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles, which are vital to support the knee and reduce stress on the patellar tendon.

   • Weight-bearing exercises are carefully monitored and progressively introduced, starting with non-weight-bearing exercises to avoid placing excessive stress on the healing tendon.

5. Phase 3: Strengthening and Endurance (Month 1-3)

   • At this stage, strengthening exercises will focus on full knee extension and increasing the range of motion. More advanced exercises may include resistance bands and bodyweight exercises.

   • We’ll also include functional exercises that target your ability to move without pain and regain confidence in your knee’s performance.

6. Phase 4: Advanced Strengthening and Return to Activity (Month 3-6)

   • By 3-6 months, you’ll begin advanced rehabilitation exercises, which will focus on improving your ability to handle dynamic movements such as squats, lunges, and leg presses.

   • Activities such as light jogging or low-impact sports may be introduced, depending on your progress.

7. Rehabilitation Gym at Palms Physiotherapy:

   • State-of-the-Art Equipment: Our rehabilitation gym features specialized equipment that is ideal for post-surgical recovery, ensuring that you receive the right amount of support while regaining strength and flexibility.

   • Personalized Programs: Your rehabilitation program will be tailored to meet your specific needs, depending on the severity of the tendon injury and your recovery goals.

   • Progressive Strengthening: We emphasize progressive strengthening, gradually increasing the difficulty of exercises to prevent overloading the healing tendon.

   • Aquatic Therapy: For patients who prefer a low-impact recovery environment, we offer aquatic therapysessions to help with joint mobility and muscle strengthening in a low-stress setting.

   • Motivational Support: Our team is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where you can feel motivated and encouraged as you progress through each stage of recovery.

8. Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustments:

   • Throughout the rehabilitation process, we’ll continuously assess your progress and adjust your treatment plan to ensure that your recovery stays on track.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the recovery time for Patellar Tendon Repair?

• Recovery from patellar tendon repair typically takes 3-6 months for full recovery, with the initial focus being on pain control and mobility, followed by strength and functional rehabilitation.

2. Can I return to sports after Patellar Tendon Repair?

• Returning to high-impact sports (e.g., running, basketball) is generally possible after 6-12 months, depending on your recovery progress. Low-impact sports like swimming or cycling may be introduced earlier.

3. How long will I need crutches after Patellar Tendon Repair?

• Crutches are typically needed for the first 2-4 weeks after surgery to help you avoid putting weight on the affected leg and to allow the tendon to heal.

4. Will I be able to fully recover from a Patellar Tendon Rupture?

• With proper rehabilitation, most patients can fully recover from a patellar tendon rupture and return to their normal activities, though it may take 6 months or longer for complete recovery.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health Can Help

At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we specialize in pre-habilitation and post-surgical rehabilitation for patellar tendon repair patients. Our team of experienced physiotherapists will guide you through a structured rehabilitation program to ensure the best possible recovery outcome, utilizing our fully-equipped rehabilitation gym and aquatic therapy options.

Reputable Australian Resources

1. Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA)

   • Trusted source for information on post-surgical rehabilitation for patellar tendon repair.

   • https://australian.physio/

2. Healthdirect Australia

   • Official health information hub providing comprehensive advice on knee injuries, recovery, and rehabilitation.

   • https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/

Contact Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health

If you or a loved one is considering patellar tendon repair surgery, or recovering from the procedure, reach out to us for expert physiotherapy support. Our team is ready to help you every step of the way.