ACL Reconstruction — ACL Revision Reconstruction

University Orthopedics (Brown University) · University Orthopedics Sports Medicine Division

Weight-Bearing

PWB in brace x 6 weeks; WBAT D/C crutches when gait is WNL (~Phase IV)

Key Restrictions

Brace locked in extension x 6 weeks (open to available range when quad control achieved); no contact sports until 12 months post-op; isokinetic testing at 180 and 300 deg/sec required before running clearance (must achieve 80% of contralateral leg)

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (0-2 wks): PWB, patellar mob, AAROM 0-90 deg, quad sets/SLR, Total Gym mini squats, stationary bike; Phase II (2-4 wks): AROM full range, leg press 0-60 deg, hamstring curls, treadmill; Phase III (4-6 wks): full ROM, mini squats 0-60 deg, leg press, weight shifts; Phase IV (6-9 wks): D/C brace, WBAT, wall squats, step downs, SLR with band, proprioception; Phase V (9-12 wks): wall squats 0-90 deg, leg press 0-90 deg, step downs, BAPS, treadmill; Phase VI (3-4 months): fitter, slide board, pool therapy; Phase VII (4-6 months): knee extension machine, SAQ, figure-8s, swimming laps; Phase VIII (6-9 months): isokinetic test to clear running, agility/plyometrics, running program; no contact sports until 12 months

Notes

More conservative than primary ACL: 12-month no-contact-sport restriction vs 6 months; isokinetic testing required for running clearance; 8-phase protocol; University Orthopedics (Brown University), Providence RI

Surgeon / Author

University Orthopedics Sports Medicine Division