Patella / Quadriceps Tendon Repair

• Hospital stay: Most patients stay 1-2 days in hospital working with physiotherapy.

• Weight bearing: You will walk on the operated leg immediately with gait aids.

• Brace: A brace will be worn for 6 weeks.  It will initially be locked fully extended and gradually allowed to bend over the 6 weeks. 

• Range of motion: Early passive motion starts right away.

• Ice and elevation: Used frequently to control pain and swelling. You should ice for 20 minutes, 3–4 times per day right after surgery. An ice/compression machine can be hired from a third party.

• Bulky dressings will be removed 1–2 days after surgery.

• A waterproof underlay dressing should be left on for 2 weeks.

• Incisions typically heal within 2 weeks.

• Showers are permitted while wounds are covered with waterproof dressings during the first 2 weeks.

• Do not submerge incisions in water (baths, pools, or ocean) for 6 weeks.

• A wound check with your GP, allied health provider, or our clinic is recommended at 2 weeks.

• Absorbable sutures are usually used and do not require removal, though small remnants may surface naturally during healing.

Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) can occur after surgery.

You can reduce the risk by:

• Moving your foot and ankle regularly while resting.

• Walking early with assistance.

• Avoiding long periods of sitting or immobility.

• Wearing compression stockings for the first 4–6 weeks.

• You will likely take aspirin for 2–4 weeks to prevent DVT/PE. If you have a history of blood clots or risk factors, a stronger blood thinner may be prescribed.

• If you plan any long-distance travel within 6 weeks of surgery, please inform our clinic for preventative medication.

Seek immediate medical attention if you develop calf pain, swelling, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

• Your anaesthetist will discuss possible spinal or regional nerve blocks to help control pain immediately after surgery.

• Local anaesthetic will be injected into the knee during surgery.

• Use ice regularly (20 minutes, 3–4 times per day). An ice machine may be hired from a third party.

• Take prescribed pain medication as directed. Opioids may be used short-term but have known side effects (nausea, constipation, dependence). Non-opioid medications are preferred when tolerated.

• Use a compression dressing on the knee for 6–12 weeks to manage swelling.

• Begin gentle range-of-motion and muscle activation exercises as soon as recommended.

• Use walking aids for stability while recovering your gait.

You should contact your surgeon or clinic immediately if you notice:

• Increasing redness, swelling, or drainage from the wound.

• Persistent or worsening pain not controlled by medication.

• Fever, chills, or night sweats.

• Calf pain or swelling (possible blood clot).

• Any acute injury to your operative knee.

Prompt review allows early management of potential complications.

Return to activities depends on the nature and intensity of the activity.

General guideline:

• Walking: Start immediately after surgery with assistance.

• Stationary cycling: Usually begins around 6 weeks postoperatively when range of motion improves.

• Running: 4-5 months

• Light gym exercise (pool work, Pilates, yoga): 8–12 weeks.

• Lower demand sport (golf, tennis, skiing): 4–6 months depending on tendon strength and rehabilitation progress.

• High-impact activities such as team sports are generally delayed for at least 6–9 months to allow full tendon healing and restoration of strength.

• You can usually drive once you can safely control the vehicle and perform an emergency stop comfortably.

• This is typically 8–10 weeks after right knee surgery, and 2–3 weeks for the left knee.

• You must not drive while taking strong pain medication (e.g., opioids).

Return to work depends on your occupation:

• Office or sedentary work: 1–2 weeks (once you can commute safely).

• Light manual work: 4–6 weeks.

• Heavy manual labour: 3–4 months or longer, depending on recovery.

Yes. Physiotherapy is recommended for optimal recovery after patella or quadriceps tendon repair.

Your physiotherapist will:

• Guide you through a structured rehabilitation program.

• Focus on restoring range of motion, strength, and functional control of the quadriceps.

• Gradually progress exercises to improve gait, balance, and return to normal activity.

Most patients continue physiotherapy for 3–6 months to achieve full recovery and rebuild knee strength.

While these repairs generally have excellent outcomes, potential complications include:

• Infection

• Wound complcations

• Blood clots (DVT/PE)

• Stiffness or loss of knee motion

• Re-rupture of the repaired tendon

• Persistent weakness or lag in knee extension

• Pain or irritation at the repair site

• Numbness around the incision

• Hardware irritation (if anchors or sutures are used)

• Inability to kneel

• Anterior knee pain

• Patellofemoral arthritis