A 9-months multidisciplinary rehabilitation protocol based on early post-operative mobilization following a chronic-degenerative patellar tendon rupture in a professional soccer player

BACKGROUND: Isolated patellar tendon rupture (PTR) is the final stage of a long-standing tendon chronic degeneration. PTR requires immediate repair in order to avoid important muscle retraction and tendon fibrosis. The aim was to describe the effects of a rehabilitation protocol after chronic-degenerative PTR on subjective functional outcomes, knee range of motion (ROM), size, and strength in a professional football player. CASE REPORT: A 26-years-old football player who experienced RPT after a 3-year history of proximal patellar tendinopathy. After early surgical repair of the tendon, the athlete underwent a 9-months multidisciplinary rehabilitation program, based on early postoperative mobilization. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: Early knee mobilization and gradual controlled load from the second week determined a large increase in flexion ROM, muscular strength and trophy over the weeks by the athlete. Early surgical repair of PTR together with an early knee mobilization program demonstrated excellent results after a 9-months follow-up.