Ligament Repair/Reconstruction — ACL Reconstruction with Meniscus Repair

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

Weight-Bearing

TDWB (toe-down weight bearing) with crutches and brace initially; PWB by Phase II; D/C crutches at 6 weeks

Key Restrictions

TDWB initially; brace until SLR without extensor lag; ROM limited to 0-90° until 6 weeks post-op; D/C crutches at 6 weeks; no running until ~12 weeks

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (0-2 wks): AROM 0-90°, TDWB, brace; Phase II (2-4 wks): partial WB, SLR all 4 planes; Phase III (4-8 wks): ROM 0-90° until 6 wks then progress to full, D/C crutches at 6 wks; Phase IV (8-12 wks): pain-free, symmetrical ROM, 6" step down; Phase V (12 wks-6 months): progressive running, agility, return-to-sport criteria

Notes

Combined ACL reconstruction and meniscus repair protocol; more conservative WB and ROM progression than ACL-alone due to meniscus protection

Surgeon / Author

University Orthopedics Sports Medicine Division