Physiotherapy Interventions Combining Continuous Passive Motion and Maitland Mobilization for Patellar Fracture Rehabilitation

Mridula Mahidhar; Shriya Payasi

doi:10.69968/ijisem.2026v5i3160-167

Authors

Mridula Mahidhar Associate Professor, BPT MPT (Orthopedics), MBA (Healthcare & Hospital Management), Director of Balashree Institute of Paramedical sciences Jabalpur (M.P), Department of Physiotherapy, Consultant Physiotherapist, Baderia Metro Prime Hospital, Jabalpur (M.P)
Shriya Payasi BPT MPT(Orthopedics), Department of Physiotherapy, Assistant Professor of Balashree Institute of Paramedical sciences Jabalpur (M.P)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69968/ijisem.2026v5i3160-167

Keywords:

Patellar fracture, Continuous Passive Motion (CPM), Maitland Mobilization, Knee range of motion, Physiotherapy rehabilitation

Abstract

A common issue following patellar fractures is postoperative pain, joint stiffness, quadriceps weakness, and limited knee range of motion (ROM), all of which may contribute to a suboptimal functional recovery. Early physiotherapy is thus crucial to regain movement and avoid chronic disability. This review aims to provide an overview of current evidence regarding physiotherapy interventions using Maitland Mobilization and passive machine-driven movement (such as Continuous Passive Motion [CPM]) in the treatment of patellar fracture. Review covers rehabilitation challenges, mechanisms and clinical application of CPM, principles of Maitland Mobilization and how this can be integrated with therapeutic exercises. From published clinical studies, CPM appears to encourage early joint motion, reduce joint stiffness and aid to the recovery of ROM, whilst Maitland Mobilization increases accessory joint mobility and helps to relieve pain using graded manual techniques. These interventions are combined with strengthening and stretching exercises and gait training to form a comprehensive rehabilitation approach which improves knee function and functional independence. But more rigorous RCTs are needed to establish standardized REPs and to identify long-term clinical outcomes.

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