30/11/2025
โ ๐งญ ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐ ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ฒ: ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ฌ๐๐ ๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐๐๐ก ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐ก๐๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง
โ Postoperative rehabilitation following Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery is crucial for restoring function and strength, promoting a successful return to sport, and minimizing the risk of reinjury.
โ This intensive recovery process typically spans 9 to 12 months.
โ Rehabilitation adheres to a structured, phased, criterion-based approach.
โ This system ensures that objective milestones are met before progression, which helps restore confidence and function as patients work toward returning to sport.
โ Here is a thorough breakdown of the recovery stages after ACL reconstruction:
โ ๐ฉน ๐๐๐ซ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐ก๐๐ฌ๐ (๐๐๐๐ค๐ฌ ๐โ๐)
โ The primary goals during the initial weeks are foundational:
โ Reducing pain and swelling
โ Restoring knee range of motion (ROM)
โ Restoring quadriceps strength
โ A key objective is achieving a quadriceps Limb Symmetry Index (LSI) of 60% or greater.
โ The LSI is often calculated using the uninvolved limb as a comparator.
โ Clinicians frequently use modalities such as neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to assist with strengthening during this phase.
โ NMES has been a studied component of functional recovery after ACL reconstruction.
โ Additionally, open kinetic chain exercises can be initiated, provided the surgeon has given clearance and the progression is appropriate to load the quadriceps safely without placing excessive strain on the newly reconstructed ACL.
โ (The use of open- versus closed-kinetic-chain exercises remains a significant topic in ACL rehabilitation research.)
โ ๐ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฆ๐๐๐ข๐๐ญ๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ฌ๐ (๐๐๐๐ค๐ฌ ๐โ๐)
โ Progression to this phase is criterion-based, requiring several early-phase goals to be met:
โ Knee ROM of 0ยฐ to 115ยฐ
โ Effusion (swelling) of 1+ or less
โ A normalized gait pattern
โ The focus shifts to initiating balance activities, neuromuscular re-education, and aerobic training.
โ The most crucial objective is reaching full, symmetrical ROM and achieving a quadriceps strength LSI of 70% or greater.
โ This goal is typically achievable through diligent adherence to a structured, progressive overload strength training program.
โ ๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ฌ๐ (๐๐๐๐ค๐ฌ ๐๐โ๐๐)
โ This phase introduces higher-level activities:
โ Running is introduced when quadriceps strength reaches an LSI of 80% or greater.
โ Training emphasizes proper landing mechanics.
โ Strength training is progressively advanced and transitioned into a more intensive, gym-based program.
โ The target strength LSI for this phase is 75% to 80% or greater.
โ ๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐ก๐๐ฌ๐ (๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ก๐ฌ ๐โ๐)
โ The transitional phase integrates dynamic, multidirectional movements essential for sport:
โ Patients begin jumping, sprinting, decelerating, and agility drills.
โ The established goals for this phase are an LSI for both quadriceps strength and hop testing of 85% or greater.
โ Hop testing symmetry often utilizes the uninvolved limb as a comparator.
โ ๐
๐๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ง-๐ญ๐จ-๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ ๐๐ก๐๐ฌ๐ (๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ก๐ฌ ๐โ๐๐)
โ This final stage is dedicated to high-intensity preparation:
โ The focus is on sport-specific drills and conditioning in preparation for return to competition.
โ Clearance for full return to sport and competition is granted only when specific, rigorous criteria are met:
โ No pain or effusion
โ LSI for quadriceps strength and hop testing of 90% or greater
โ Patient fear/confidence levels are evaluated
โ ๐ฉ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ adhering to these objective, criterion-based milestones, patients are best positioned to safely return to sport at preinjury levels while significantly minimizing their risk of reinjury.
โ This rigorous, multi-phased rehabilitation process acts like a highly detailed building codeโeach stage must meet specific safety and structural requirements before the next phase of construction can begin, ensuring the final structure (the knee's function) is strong, stable, and ready to withstand high-level stress.
-----------------
โ ๏ธDisclaimer: Sharing a study or a part of it is NOT an endorsement. Please read the original article and evaluate critically.โ ๏ธ
Link to Article ๐
