ACL Reconstruction — All Graft Types

University of Delaware Physical Therapy · UDPT Clinical Team

Weight-Bearing

WBAT on crutches with active quad contraction; D/C crutches when normal gait, no SLR lag, effusion <=2+

Key Restrictions

D/C brace/immobilizer when SLR without lag and visible quad activation; allografts 12+ months return to sport; no unnecessary WB throughout day to minimize effusion; concomitant procedure modifications in appendix

Timeline & Phases

Pre-op phase + 5 post-op phases: Immediate (wk 1), Early (wk 2-3), Intermediate (wk 4-8), Late (wk 9-16), Return to Sport (wk 16+); 20-46 total visits expected; return to sport 9-12 months (allografts 12+)

Notes

Comprehensive criterion-based guideline; includes pre-op rehab with QI >=80% goal; NMES dosed at >=50% MVIC; BFR training as option; soreness rules appendix; sweep test for effusion; quad sets 5-10 sets of 100/day; covers modifications for meniscal repair, meniscectomy, microfracture, chondroplasty, MCL, PLC; outcome measures: KOS-ADLS, IKDC, ACL-RSI, Marx

Surgeon / Author

UDPT Clinical Team

Published

Updated April 2021