ACL Reconstruction — BPTB Autograft

Massachusetts General Hospital · MGH Sports Medicine

Weight-Bearing

WBAT initially with brace locked and crutches; may walk without crutches when no increased pain/effusion and proper gait

Key Restrictions

Brace locked initially, unlock once SLR without lag; D/C brace after 6 wks per MD; no towel under knee; no active kicking into extension; no pivoting on surgical side; emphasize patellar mobilizations for BPTB

Timeline & Phases

6 phases: Phase I (0-2 wks), Phase II (3-5 wks), Phase III (6-8 wks), Phase IV (9-12 wks), Phase V (early return to sport), Phase VI (unrestricted return to sport); includes return-to-run and agility/plyo programs

Notes

Single document covers BPTB, hamstring, and allograft with graft-specific modifications; NMES 2500 Hz 75 bursts; criterion-based; patellar mobs heavily emphasized for BPTB; includes references. [Archived copy — original Massachusetts General Hospital URL retired in the Mass General Brigham site migration; Wayback snapshot 2026-07-30.]

Surgeon / Author

MGH Sports Medicine