Patellar tendon repair: postoperative treatment.

OBJECTIVE To compare results of patellar tendon repair after early and delayed postoperative mobilization. DESIGN Two separate treatment groups, comparing 2 treatment alternatives at different time periods (before-after trial). PARTICIPANTS Postoperative rehabilitation of 10 men who underwent patellar tendon repair. INTERVENTION 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.