Weight Bearing | Brace | Rom | Exercises | |
---|---|---|---|---|
phase I 0-2 weeks |
Heel touch weight bearing with crutches |
Locked in full extension for sleeping and all activity Off for exercises and hygiene |
0-90° when non-weight bearing |
Heel slides, quad sets, patellar mobs, SLR, SAQ** No weight bearing with flexion >90° |
phase II 2-8 weeks |
2-6 weeks: Heel touch WB with crutches 6-8 weeks: Progress to full WB |
2-8 weeks: Locked 0-90° Off at night Discontinue brace at 8 weeks |
As tolerated |
Addition of heel raises, total gym (closed chain), terminal knee extensions** Activities w/brace until 6 weeks; then w/o brace as tolerated No weight bearing with flexon >90° |
phase III 8-12 weeks |
Full |
None |
Full |
Progress closed chain activities Begin hamstring work, lunges/leg press 0-90°, proprioception exercises, balance/core/hip/glutes Begin stationary bike |
phase IV 12-20 weeks |
Full |
None |
Full |
Progress Phase III exercises and functional activities: single leg balance, core, glutes, eccentric hamstrings, elliptical, and bike Swimming okay at 16 weeks |
phase V >20 weeks |
Full |
None |
Full |
Afvance to sport-specific drills and running/jumping once cleared by MD |
*Brace may be removed for sleeping after first post-operative visit (day 7-10)
**Avoid any tibial rotation for 8 weeks to protect meniscus
Other Knee Rehabilitation Protocols
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