Michael Reeves PT, DPT, ATC, CSCS

Open Kinetic Chain Exercise After Articular Cartilage Repair in the Knee: Is it Safe? After articular cartilage repair in the knee, specifically with the tibiofemoral joint, there is a period of protected weight bearing.  Early post-operatively we know that regaining range of motion, regaining quadriceps activation, and decreasing excess inflammation and swelling is important.  Commonly weight bearing is progressed to full by about 8 weeks, sometimes a little longer or shorter depending on the surgeon, the surgery, and lesion factors.   Deficits in quadriceps strength are seen far beyond discharge from rehabilitation and have been seen up to 7 years post op.  Knowing this, it is easy to want to get after quadriceps strengthening early.  There has been a lot of talk in the physical therapy community about "underdosing" our patients when we claim that we are "strengthening" them.  We are aware that we should be cautious with weight bearing exerc...

Post-Operative Sport Participation and Satisfaction with Return to Activity After Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation in the Knee Purpose:  To investigate:  The level and improvement in activity in patients at two years after matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI),  What factors are associated with post-operative (and improvement in) activity level, and  Whether patients are satisfied with their ability to participate in recreational and/or sporting activities." Methods: Study Design:  Prospective Cohort (level of evidence: 3) Population:  150 patients that underwent MACI (Started with 160 but 10 were unable to be found for 2 year follow up so were excluded) 83 tibiofemoral lesions 63 medial femoral condyle 20 lateral femoral condyle 67 patellofemoral lesions 35 patella 32 trochlea 92 patients had undergone prior surgery, most commonly arthroscopy and meniscectomy (88 arthroscopy,...