ACL Repair — (Primary)

Mammoth Orthopedic Institute / Sierra Park PT · Brian B. Gilmer MD (US Ski Team Physician); Karly M. Dawson PA-C

Weight-Bearing

WBAT with crutches immediately; DC crutches when quad control returns and full extension achieved; brace unlocked after first PT visit

Key Restrictions

Brace locked in extension until 1st PT visit; no open chain resistive with weights Phase II (bands OK); no downhill walking/running/skiing/biking x4.5 months; earliest RTS 9 months; must pass return to sport test

Timeline & Phases

5 phases: Phase I (0-2 wks, WBAT brace locked), Phase II (2-4 wks, full ROM, advanced strengthening, DC brace at 6 wks), Phase III (4-8 wks, neuromuscular retraining, treadmill walking), Phase IV (8-12 wks, light running/hopping at 12 wks, agility), Phase V (3-6 months, plyometrics, RTS testing at 9 months)

Notes

References Mammoth Orthopedic Institute and The Steadman Clinic (Dr. Peter Millett); return to sport criteria: quad/hamstring ≥90% uninvolved, SL hop/vertical jump ≥90%, no effusion or quad atrophy, full acceleration/deceleration; Gilmer MD approved 11/28/2016

Surgeon / Author

Brian B. Gilmer MD (US Ski Team Physician); Karly M. Dawson PA-C

Published

November 2016