PCL Reconstruction

Massachusetts General Hospital · MGH Sports Medicine

Weight-Bearing

PWB initially; brace in extension; progress per phase criteria

Key Restrictions

No resisted open-chain hamstring exercises until Phase III (3-6 mo); avoid posterior tibial translation; protect PCL during early rehabilitation; criterion-based discharge: quad/HS/glut >=90% uninvolved, hop testing >=90%, KOOS >90%, IKDC >93

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (0-4 wks): PWB with brace locked, quad sets, SLR, gentle ROM; Phase II (4-12 wks): progressive WB, closed-chain strengthening, avoid OKC hamstring; Phase III (3-6 mo): progressive hamstring loading, advanced strengthening, balance; Phase IV (6-9 mo): sport-specific, agility, running; Phase V (9+ mo): return-to-sport clearance

Notes

Criterion-based; 5 phases over 9+ months; hamstring loading delayed to protect PCL graft; discharge criteria match ACL standards (quad/HS/glut >=90%, hop >=90%, KOOS >90%, IKDC >93). [Archived copy — original Massachusetts General Hospital URL retired in the Mass General Brigham site migration; Wayback snapshot 2026-07-30.]

Surgeon / Author

MGH Sports Medicine