Chondroplasty/Microfracture

Protective Phase: 0-6 weeks post operative weight bearing restrictions

Weight bearing limited to toe touch with crutches for 6 weeks
Passive range of motion in all planes with limitation base on patient comfort, Grade 1 mobilizations of the hip joint
Active range of motion to patient’s tolerance
Core muscle stabilization exercise; should be initiated on the mat table
Isometric strength work within pain free limits, should be initiated around the hip without weight bearing
Week 0-3 Exercises
Week 3-6 Exercises

Restorative Phase: 6-12 weeks post operative

Gradual progression to full weight bearing
Active range of motion progression to normal limits, mobilization and passive stretching should not encourage hypermobility of the hip joint, excessive rotation should be limited
Piriformis, illiopsoas and gluteal flexibility normalized
Progressive close chain strength work starting in the sagittal plane and moving to multiplanar activities
Normalization of gait
Proprioceptive deficits are progressively addressed
Highly compressive or high load activities (i.e. running) are avoided
Week 6-9 Exercises
Week 9-12 Exercises

Functional Phase: greater than 3 months post operative