How long should a patient be nonweight bearing after gastroc recession?

How long should a patient be nonweight bearing after gastroc recession?

• A. 1-2 weeks
• B. 2-4 weeks
• C. 4-6 weeks
• D. 6-8 weeks

Answer: (C)

Protection of the lengthened gastrocnemius during soft-tissue healing is the key. After a gastroc recession the repaired or lengthened muscle-tendon unit needs time to scar and regain stable length without being stretched. Maintaining nonweight bearing for about four to six weeks provides the necessary time for collagen to form and for the repair to gain strength, while minimizing the risk of over-tensioning the lengthened tissue or stressing the wound. Starting weight bearing too early could compromise the correction, while waiting longer than needed can increase stiffness. Therefore, four to six weeks is the standard window for nonweight bearing after this procedure.

Protection of the lengthened gastrocnemius during soft-tissue healing is the key. After a gastroc recession the repaired or lengthened muscle-tendon unit needs time to scar and regain stable length without being stretched. Maintaining nonweight bearing for about four to six weeks provides the necessary time for collagen to form and for the repair to gain strength, while minimizing the risk of over-tensioning the lengthened tissue or stressing the wound. Starting weight bearing too early could compromise the correction, while waiting longer than needed can increase stiffness. Therefore, four to six weeks is the standard window for nonweight bearing after this procedure.