Knee — MCL Repair / Reconstruction

Saint Louis University (SLUCare)

Weight-Bearing

TTWB wks 1-6; WBAT week 7; DC crutches when stable

Key Restrictions

Brace locked in extension for ambulation and sleeping wks 1-6; no WB with knee flexed through wk 6; no side lying hip adductor strengthening wks 1-6; unlock brace wk 8 when quad control adequate; DC brace wk 9

Timeline & Phases

Wks 1-2: TTWB brace locked, PROM 0-40 deg; Wks 3-4: TTWB, ROM 0-75 deg; Wk 5: advance ROM no limits, bike, SLR with weights; Wk 6: AAROM, leg press 0-70 deg; Wk 7: WBAT, wean crutches; Wk 8: unlock brace, mini-squats, step ups, leg press 0-90; Wk 9: DC brace, retro treadmill, 8-in step ups; Wk 10: running if quad>75%/hop>70%; Wks 11-22: sport-specific progression; 4-5 months: return to sport (quad >90%, hop >90%)

Notes

SLU Sports Medicine; diagnosis: MCL tear; 4-month protocol 2-3 visits/week