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Rehabilitation Guidelines for Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Post-Operative Rehabilitation Guidelines for Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

0-3 Weeks:

  • Weight Bearing TTWB, Brace locked at 0 degrees
  • ROM (Prone only):  Passive flexion 0-70 degrees,
  • Active Assisted extension 70 to 0 degrees
  • Patella mobilization
  • Towel extensions, prone hangs
  • SLR supine with brace locked at 0 degrees
  • Quadriceps isometrics @ 60 degrees

3-6 Weeks:

  • Progressive Weight Bearing TTWB to PWB (75%) with crutches
  •  Brace locked @ 0 degrees
  • ROM (Prone only): Active Assisted extension 90-0 degrees
  •   Passive flexion 0-90 degrees
  • Short crank (90mm) ergometry
  • Leg Press (60-0 degree arc)
  • SLR’s (all planes): Progressive Resistance
  • Multiple-angle Quadriceps Isometrics: 60 to 20 degrees

6-12 Weeks:

  • D/C crutches when gait is non-antalgic (6-8weeks)
  • Brace changed to OTS
  • Initiate Forward Step Up program (6-8weeks)
  • Leg Press, Mini-Squats (60-0 degree arc)
  • Standard ergometry (if knee ROM > 115 degrees)
  • AAROM exercises
  • Stairmaster (6-8 weeks)
  • Proprioception Training (Prop Board, BAPS)
  • Aquacisor (gait training)
  • Retrograde treadmill ambulation
  • Initiate Step Down Program (8-10 weeks)

12-20 weeks:

  • Leg Press: Squats (80 to 0 degree arc)
  • AAROM exercises
  • Proprioception Training (Prop Board, BAPS)
  • Lunges
  • Advanced Proprioception training (perturbations)
  • Agility exercises (sport cord)
  • Versaclimber
  • Retrograde treadmill running
  • Quadriceps stretching

20-26 weeks:

  • Start forward running (if descend 8” step satisfactorily)
  • Continue lower extremity strengthening, flexibility, proprioceptive & agility programs
  • Initiate plyometric program (if sufficient strength base)
  • Functional Hop Test (>85% contralateral)

26 weeks:

  • Continue lower extremity strengthening, flexibility, proprioceptive & agility programs
  • Advance plyometric program
  • Advance agility and sport specific program

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