| Weight Bearing | Brace | Rom | Exercises | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
phase I 0-2 weeks |
Full in Brace locked in extension*** |
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 flexison >90° |
|
phase II 2-6 weeks |
2-4 weeks: Full in Brace unlocked 0-90° 4-6 weeks: Full w/o brace |
2-6 weeks: Unlocked 0-90° Off at night Discontinue brace at 6 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 flexison >90° |
|
phase III 6-12 weeks |
Full |
None |
Full |
Progress closed chain activities Begin hamstring work, lunges/leg press 0-90°, proprioception excercises, balance/core/hip/glutes Begin stationary bike when able |
|
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 12 wks Advance to sport specific drills and running/jumping after 16 wks 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
***Weight bearing status may depend on nature of meniscus repair. Please refer to specific PT Rx provided to patient for confirmation of WB status
Other Knee Rehabilitation Protocols
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