Specialized Toolkit Series: ACL Reconstruction-Post-Rehab Protocol

Pdf Summary

The document outlines guidelines for ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) rehabilitation, providing structured phases to ensure optimal recovery. It emphasizes a personalized approach, tailoring the program to each patient's specific needs.<br /><br />**Pre-operative Phase (Phase 0):**<br />- Focuses on preparing the knee through exercises that maintain leg strength and range of motion (ROM).<br /><br />**Immediate Post-operative Phase (Phase 1):**<br />- Goals include reducing swelling, regaining knee extension, minimizing pain, and early activation of muscles.<br />- Initial treatments involve using crutches, cryotherapy, and exercises to enhance ROM and muscle activation.<br />  <br />**Early Rehabilitation Phase (Phase 2):**<br />- Focused on improving ROM and maintaining quadriceps strength without causing pain.<br />- Emphasis on neuromuscular training and light cardiovascular activities.<br /><br />**Strengthening & Control Phase (Phase 3):**<br />- Objectives include regaining full quadriceps and hamstrings strength, enhancing neuromuscular control.<br />- Exercises become more intensive, incorporating advanced muscle strengthening and neuromuscular drills.<br /><br />**Advanced Training Phase (Phase 4):**<br />- Aimed at refining muscle strength and neuromuscular functions to pre-injury levels.<br />- Involves complex strength-training exercises and agility drills to prepare for sport-specific tasks.<br /><br />**Return-to-Sport Phase (Phase 5):**<br />- Focuses on integrating aggressive strengthening and sport-specific activities.<br />- Final phase includes rigorous evaluation ensuring the patient meets criteria for return to sport, such as neuromuscular control and the ability to perform sport-specific movements without pain.<br /><br />Throughout these phases, the guidelines stress using functional criteria over time-based metrics for progression. Rehabilitation specialists should consistently monitor and adjust the program to promote effective and safe recovery. The document also highlights the importance of collaboration among physicians, physical therapists, and trainers to optimize each patient's rehabilitation journey.

Asset Caption

Amit Momaya, M.D.
Orthopedic Surgeon, Chief of Sports Medicine
Team Physician for UAB Athletics, Legion FC, Bulls Hockey

Keywords

ACL rehabilitation

personalized approach

pre-operative phase

post-operative phase

early rehabilitation

strengthening phase

advanced training

return-to-sport

neuromuscular control

functional criteria