ACL Reconstruction — Isolated ACL Reconstruction

NYU Langone Health · Dr. Daniel J. Kaplan, MD

Weight-Bearing

WBAT

Key Restrictions

WBAT from day 1 with brace locked at 0 for ambulation/sleep; emphasis on full extension throughout; wean brace when quad control adequate (typically wk 2); discontinue brace when no extension lag (typically wk 4); straight-ahead running at 12 wks; plyometrics at 14 wks; RTS typically 10-12 months

Timeline & Phases

Phase 1: 0-2 wks (WBAT, brace locked at 0, ROM 0-90); Phase 2: 2-6 wks (WBAT, ROM 0-125, unlock then wean brace, leg press 0-80, stationary bike at 5-6 wks); Phase 3: 6-14 wks (FWB no brace, full ROM, running at 12 wks); Phase 4: 14 wks-6 months (sport-specific, plyometrics); Phase 5: 6-12 months (gradual RTS, typically 10-12 months)

Surgeon / Author

Dr. Daniel J. Kaplan, MD

Published

2024-07