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I am a figure-skating instructor in a moderately large town. Although I no longer train or compete, I am out on skates hours every day teaching and training youngsters. Over the years, I've developed a chronically dislocating knee cap. I never know when my leg will go out from under me, so I've been scheduled to have surgery. How long is the rehab and recovery time? I'd like to get back out on the ice as soon as possible.

Your orthopedic surgeon is going to be the best one to answer this question. Recovery depends in part on the general health of the patient. Preoperative range of motion and strength will be key factors in postoperative recovery rates. Tobacco use and poor nutrition can delay wound healing.

The type and extent of surgery can also make a difference. The surgery may be done with an open incision or minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery may be possible. Open incision cuts through more soft tissue and possibly muscle causing a longer recovery and rehab time compared to a minimally invasive procedure.

You will likely be placed in a knee immobilizer right after surgery. You'll be started on quadriceps strengthening exercises. You can do these with the immobilizer in place. Passive and active range of motion exercises are begun within a few days of the operation.

If all goes as planned, you'll probably be allowed to put weight on the leg by the end of the first week. The surgeon may switch you from the knee immobilizer to a patellar brace for this. By the end of the second week, you'll be able to put your full weight on that side.

Your program of exercises will be progressed gradually. Full rehab takes at least three months. At first you will work with a physical therapist. But over time, you'll be able to do more and more on your own. The therapist will gear your program around your specific sport of skating. Many athletes are able to return to their sporting event at approximately three months after the operation.

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