Ligament Repair/Reconstruction — Posterolateral Corner (PLC) Reconstruction

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

Weight-Bearing

FFWB (flat-foot weight bearing) in brace locked in extension; WBAT ~Phase III (4-6 wks)

Key Restrictions

Brace locked in extension; no hip ABD initially; no knee flexion >45° through Phase V (6-8 wks)

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (0-2 wks): pain/effusion, FFWB, brace locked in extension; Phase II (2-4 wks): ROM 0-90°, PWB; Phase III (4-6 wks): ROM 0-110°, WBAT; Phase V (6-8 wks): full ROM, no flex >45°; Phase VI (8-12 wks): D/C brace, walk 2 miles; Phase VII (3-4 months): run 2 miles; Phase VIII (4-6 months): return to sport

Notes

No hip ABD exercises until Phase III; knee flexion restricted to ≤45° through Phase V; protocol covers lateral/posterolateral corner reconstruction

Surgeon / Author

University Orthopedics Sports Medicine Division