ACL Reconstruction — Quad Tendon Autograft

Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center · OSU Sports Medicine

Weight-Bearing

Criterion-based AD discharge (full active ext, strong quad iso, 2x10 SLR without lag, effusion <=1+, normalized gait)

Key Restrictions

No forced flex past 90 deg for meniscus repairs; ACLR with meniscectomy can push for symmetrical flex; patellar taping/Cho-Pat strap for PF symptoms; no loaded OKC ext beyond 45 deg x 8 wks

Timeline & Phases

Criterion-based phases (not time-based): Protection/Early Loading, Strengthening, Return to Function (12 wks - return to sport); MOON group recommendations

Notes

Quad tendon-specific; 2023 update; isokinetic testing 80%+ at 60/sec and 300/sec; refers to separate OSU protocols for hamstring and BPTB; based on MOON group; includes references to UDel guidelines

Surgeon / Author

OSU Sports Medicine

Published

2023 (updated from August 2019)