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ACL Protocol

The ACL reconstruction rehabilitation protocol outlines goals and exercises for several postoperative periods. In the first week, goals are to achieve 90 degrees of bending and full extension through assisted exercises. Between weeks 2-4, goals are 120 degrees of bending, improved quad strength through half squats and toe raises. Between weeks 4-6, goals are 125 degrees of bending to full range of motion and continued strength building. Return to sports is allowed by week 24 once strength, range of motion, and stability are regained.

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Woo Guan Lee
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173 views

ACL Protocol

The ACL reconstruction rehabilitation protocol outlines goals and exercises for several postoperative periods. In the first week, goals are to achieve 90 degrees of bending and full extension through assisted exercises. Between weeks 2-4, goals are 120 degrees of bending, improved quad strength through half squats and toe raises. Between weeks 4-6, goals are 125 degrees of bending to full range of motion and continued strength building. Return to sports is allowed by week 24 once strength, range of motion, and stability are regained.

Uploaded by

Woo Guan Lee
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation Protocol

Post-Operative Positioning:
1. Compression dressing, ice to knee
2. Proper knee elevation
3. No pillow under knee
4. Immediate quad sets; encourage ankle pumps
Post operative Day 1:
1. Ankle pumps every hour
2. Quad sets, 30 reps, 5 seconds hold, at least 3 times daily
3. Weight bear as tolerated with crutches
4. Achieve 90 degrees of bending
-active assisted knee bend (sitting) to 90 degrees

5. Achieve full extension


-with pillow under ankle while in bed (15 minutes, 3 times daily)

Post operative Week 1:


1. Ice to knee every 2 hours, 20 minutes
2. Weight bear as tolerated with crutches
3. Active assisted bending exercises (90 degree)
4. Extension exercises
-quads set (30 reps, 10 seconds hold, 3 times daily)

(as

tolerated)

-straight leg raises (maintain full extension) (30 reps, 5 seconds hold, 3 times

daily)
-hamstring stretches (frequently)

Post operative 2 to 4 Weeks:


Goals:
1. Obtain full knee extension
2. Increase knee bending (120 degree)

knee bend, 10 reps, 10 seconds hold, 3 times daily

3. Improve quadriceps strength

Half squat (10 reps, 5 seconds hold, 3 times daily)


reps, 5 seconds hold, 3

Toe raises (10


times

daily)

Provided knee bend more than 100 degree. Start with low resistance, 20 minutes
daily.

Post operative Week 4-6


Goals:
1. Knee bend 125 degree to full range of motion
2. Continued strength building
3. Balance training

10 seconds hold, progress from eyes open to eyes closed.


Post operative Week 6 12
Goals:
1. Full knee extension to full knee bend ( as normal as unaffected leg)
2. Continued strength training
3. Treadmill
4. Hamstring strengthening

Post operative Week 12 20


Goals:
1. Continue all strengthening exercises
2. Start straight, forward and straight, backward jogging, and light running
programme
3. Start agility drills, zig-zags and cross over drills
Post operative Week 24
Goals:
1. Return to sports
-at least 80% of quadriceps strength compare to normal leg
-at least 80% of hamstring strength compare to normal leg
-full range of motion
-swelling free
-good balance and stability
-good endurance

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