ACL Reconstruction With Patellar Tendon Allograft Or Autograft
PHASE 1: 0-4 WEEKS
- WBAT with crutches and brace locked in full extension x 1 week
- Goal: WBAT w/o assist by 1 week
- WBAT with crutches and brace unlocked at 1 week post post-op
- May remove brace for sleeping at 1 week post-op
- ROM: progress from passive to active to resisted ROM as tolerated
- Extension board and prone hangs with weight up to 10 lbs
- Goal: Full extension by 2 weeks post-op, 120° by 4 weeks post-op
- Strengthening: quad sets, heel slides, 4 way SLR with knee locked in extension. (NMES as needed for Quad re-education).
- Daily Patellar Mobilization
PHASE 2: 4-10 WEEKS
- ROM: progress to full ROM
- Strengthening: closed chain exercises, calf stretches, toe raises, hamstring curls, balance exercises, core program, slide board
- May use stationary bike or outdoor bike for ROM, strengthening, cardio
- Discontinue brace with full extension and no extension lag
PHASE 3: 10 WEEKS – 4 MONTHS
- Continue strengthening exercises: pulley weights, theraband, proprioception
- May begin Stairmaster/Nordic Trac and in-line running (no cutting/pivoting) at 3 months post-op in custom ACL brace
PHASE 4: 4 MONTHS- 6 MONTHS
- Strengthening: begin plyometrics and increase as tolerated
- May begin agility training (cutting, grapevine, etc) and sport-specific drills beginning in custom ACL brace
PHASE 5: 6 MONTHS+
- Gradual return to sports participation in custom ACL brace
- Maintenance program for strength and endurance