Rehabilitation
The ultimate success of a CARTICEL procedure is as dependent on rehabilitation as it is on surgical technique. Work closely with your patient to develop an individualized rehabilitation and physical therapy plan, based on the size, location and severity of the knee cartilage injury.
In any cartilage repair, postoperative management is critical to ensure optimal results; such management includes a careful return to weight-bearing activities. The rehabilitation guidelines for CARTICEL are listed below. Please see the full CARTICEL rehabilitation guidelines for complete information.
|
|
CARTICEL |
|
Femoral condyle |
Trochlea |
CPM
|
begin post-operative
8-12 hours on day 1;
6-8 hours/day
up to 6 weeks
|
begin post-operative
8-12 hours on day 1;
6-8 hours/day
up to 6 weeks
|
Non-Weight Bearing
|
weeks 1-2 |
N/A |
Partial Weight Bearing
|
weeks 2-5 |
weeks 0-4 |
Full Weight Bearing
|
by week 8-9 |
by week 6-8 |
Low Impact Sports
|
at 6 months |
at 6 months |
High Impact Sports
(running, aerobics)
|
at 8-12 months |
at 8-12 months |
High Impact Pivoting Sports
|
at 12-18 months |
at 12-18 months |