Clinical Reference Only: Protocols are cataloged from third-party sources and provided for reference only. Treating clinicians must verify current accuracy and follow the operative report and surgeon's specific instructions.

ACI Rehabilitation Protocols

3 ACI rehabilitation protocols from 2 institutions, published 2014–2024. Weight-bearing progressions vary by institution — compare them in the table below before selecting a protocol.

Compare by institution

InstitutionWeight-BearingKey Restrictions
iOrtho — Femoral Condyle TDWB (20-30%) in locked brace x4 wks; WBAT with crutches in unlocked brace wks 5-6… No closed chain knee flexion; no open chain extension; brace locked at 0° for WB x2 wks; CPM 6-8 hrs/day
iOrtho — Trochlea / Patella No osteotomy: 25% WB → 50% → 75% → WBAT by wks 5-6 in unlocked brace; with osteotomy… PROM only wks 0-2 (0-40°); no active knee extension 40-70°; no repetitive closed chain knee flexion 40-70°…
Lahey Hospital & Medical Center — Microfracture and… NWB → TTWB → Partial → FWB NWB + brace locked 0-2 wks; TTWB 3-4 wks; partial 25% 5-6 wks; partial 50-75% 7-8 wks; FWB when pain/effusion…

All 3 ACI protocols

ACI — Femoral Condyle
iOrtho
June 2024
ACI — Trochlea / Patella
iOrtho
June 2024
ACI — Microfracture and Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI)
Lahey Hospital & Medical Center
J. Baumfeld, MD; M. Lemos, MD; K. DelPaine, PT · 2014-02