Specialized Toolkit Series: ACL Reconstruction-Staying Out of the Ditch on the RTS Road After ACLR

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The speaker discusses the complexities of ACL injuries, highlighting that 40-70% involve a meniscus tear and 80-90% feature a bone bruise. The importance of protecting the meniscus during recovery is emphasized, along with the challenges in managing knee injuries and post-operative rehabilitation. Using examples of athletes like Marcus Lattimore, the talk underscores that not all recoveries are successful. The speaker elaborates on knee mechanics, rehabilitation techniques, and the critical initial six weeks in recovery, advocating for a balance of appropriate stress to remodel tissue. They stress the importance of quad function, controlled knee movement, and early weight-bearing strategies. The role of modalities like bracing and blood flow restriction (BFR) training in muscle recovery and preventing long-term issues is discussed. The talk concludes with advice on progressive training, tracking progress, and setting realistic expectations for a return to sports.

Asset Caption

Charles Thigpen, Ph.D., P.T., AT.C.
ATI Physical Therapy, South Carolina

Keywords

ACL injuries

meniscus tears

knee mechanics

rehabilitation

recovery outcomes

meniscus tear

rehabilitation techniques

blood flow restriction training