Functional Knee Laxity

Definition:
The laxity of the knee joint can be affected by the partial removal of ligaments and other soft tissue constraints during surgery. Excess laxity places soft tissue under abnormal strains, causing instability in the joint and ultimately, joint failure. If the knee is too rigid, the patient will not have a normal and comfortable range of motion. An optimum level of knee laxity is desired.

Symptoms
  • Instability in the knee
  • Knee "giving out"
  • Pain in the knee
  • Swelling in the knee
Causes
  • Direct blow
  • Trauma
  • Sports collision
  • Planting the foot and twisting the leg
Treatment
  • Possible surgical intervention
  • Period of immobilization
  • Progress to ROM and stretching exercises
  • Lower extremity strengthening
  • Gait program
Functional Knee Laxity Phase I

Purchase Phase

  • Post Surgical Ice Protocol
  • Heel Slides
  • Patella Mobilization
  • Vmo Sets 30 60 90
  • Passive Knee Extension
  • Sit Up Squat
  • Weight Shifts
  • Step Throughs
  • Stationary Bike
  • Ankle Pumps
  • Straight Leg Raise

Functional Knee Laxity Phase II

Purchase Phase

  • Step Overs
  • Step Downs
  • Backwards Step Ups
  • Single Leg Bridge
  • Straight Leg Bridge
  • Kettle Bell Swings
  • Lotus
  • Adductor Straddle
  • Sit On Feet
  • Stairmaster X 20 Minutes

Functional Knee Laxity Phase III

Purchase Phase

  • Step Overs
  • Lunge Matrix
  • Speed Skaters
  • Single Leg Sit Up Squat
  • 3-Dot Squat 2 Hands
  • Single Leg Lateral Box Jump
  • Single Leg Hop On Dina Disc
  • Single Leg Tuck Jump