ACL Rehabilitation Protocols

4 ACL rehabilitation protocols from 3 institutions, published 2021–2024. Weight-bearing progressions vary by institution — compare them in the table below before selecting a protocol.

Compare by institution

Institution	Weight-Bearing	Key Restrictions
iOrtho — Non-Operative Management	Initially brace locked with crutches; WBAT when pain-free; allograft/HS autograft PWB x6…	No activities causing locking or giving way; no pivoting
iOrtho — Reconstruction	Initially brace locked with crutches; WBAT when pain/effusion-free with proper gait…	No pivot on surgical side; brace until 6 wks per MD; allograft/HS autograft conservative WB x6 wks; more…
Massachusetts General Hospital — Non-Operative ACL Management	WBAT initially with brace	Brace worn initially; no pivoting or cutting; criteria-based phase progression: quad contraction, SLR without…
Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists (OSMS)…	WBAT with crutches until normal gait mechanics demonstrated Phase I; crutches…	Alert physician if episodes of knee buckling reported (all phases); avoid patellofemoral stress Phase III…