PCL Reconstruction

University of New Mexico (UNM) Sports Medicine · Will Curtis MD, Dustin Richter MD, Christopher Shultz MD, Gehron Treme MD…

Weight-Bearing

TDWB x 6 weeks with crutches; full WB as tolerated at 6-12 weeks

Key Restrictions

PCL stabilizing brace 3-6 months; brace locked at 0 degrees first 2 weeks, full ROM weeks 2-6; all ROM in prone/sidelying x 6 weeks; no hamstring isometrics; brace for all daytime until 6 months

Timeline & Phases

0-6 wks: TDWB in brace, quad sets/SLR (no ham isometrics), stationary bike (high seat), bilateral leg press; 6-12 wks: aquatic therapy, wean crutches to FWB, treadmill walk/retro, step-ups, single-leg balance; 3-6 months: prone hamstring strengthening, jogging assessment, isokinetics, plyometrics (40-100 foot contacts/session); 6 months: D/C brace, running/sport-specific under supervision, isokinetic test (quad diff <=15%, HS/quad ratio >=65%); full return at surgeon discretion

Notes

PT starts 3-10 days post-op, 1-2x/week for 12+ weeks; prone-only ROM critical to protect against posterior tibial sag; revised 2025

Surgeon / Author

Will Curtis MD, Dustin Richter MD, Christopher Shultz MD, Gehron Treme MD, Andrew Veitch MD

Published

2025