Principles of postoperative anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation

Table 1 Goals of 0-1 mo (acute phase)

Education of patient

Pain control

Decrease effusion

Increase range of motion

Be able to do straight leg raise (1–2 d1)

Be able to lift the leg in all directions without assistance (1–7 d)

Flexibility (hamstrings, calves)

Strengthening (quadriceps, hamstrings, hip, calf, core, upper body, non- injured leg)

Patellar mobilization

Proprioceptive/balance training (start walking with crutches)

Start cardiovascular fitness (arm ergometer)

Achieve and maintain near or full ROM in knee flexion and extension (full extension 1–5 d1, full flexion 2-3 wk1)

Achieve and maintain weight bearing gait (2 crutches 0-1 wk1,

1 crutch 0-1 wk1, no crutches 0-2 wk1)

No apprehension when walking without a crutch

Home training program (2-3 h/d1, therabands, ROM exercises, etc.)

Start bicycling (90°-100° in active flexion1)

Start pool exercises (after suture removal, when wound is closed1)

Start to fight with fear of re-injury physically and psychologically

Return to work (3-4 wk1 if office work)

MD visit 1/wk

¹Author’s approach.