POSTOPERATIVE CARE
Surgical dressings are managed as per patient and surgeon preference. We recommend avoidance of compressive dressings and the use of a bulky, cotton wrap in the early postoperative period to permit soft tissue swelling. All patients are permitted to weight bear as tolerated beginning on postoperative day zero while wearing a brace that maintains full extension of the knee. Assistive devices are used based on the recommendations of inpatient physical therapists. Formal outpatient physical therapy is not initiated in the immediate postoperative period, but all patients are taught straight leg raises and isometric quadriceps exercises at a twoweek follow-up appointment. Passive range of motion exercises including the use of a zero resistance stationary bike is initiated at the four-week mark, but strengthening protocols are not started until eight weeks after the surgical procedure. Patients are routinely followed for a minimum of one-year with clinical and radiographic examinations. Implants are not routinely removed after osseous union.