Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is a highly-invasive surgical procedure that can include implanting a hamstring allograft to serve as a replacement ligament for the ruptured or torn ACL. Rehabilitation will begin shortly after your surgery, as prescribed by your orthopaedic surgeon. Therapy protocol will be followed by your therapist and will include strengthening exercises, stretching movements, and manual mobilizations to assist with proper joint healing.
Phases 1 and 2
Early postoperative rehabilitation activities for an ACL reconstruction with a hamstring allograft include minimal weight bearing exercises as tolerated by your pain levels. Exercises can include gait training with crutches, prone heel slides, passive knee flexion stretches, and other movements as prescribed by your physical therapist. Early therapy will continue for up to six weeks following your operation and will include additional stretches to help you regain lost range of motion within the knee joint.
Phases 3 and 4
As therapy continues, your ability to place weight on your knee will increase as your leg muscles become stronger and pain levels decrease. Walking should be executed with little to no assistance from crutches. Stairclimbing machines or elliptical training can also be introduced within these stages, which span from week six up to and including the third month of therapy. Goals during mid-therapy include eventual full range of motion, no pain in the kneecap or surrounding area, and the reintroduction of proper running mechanics.
Phases 4 and 5
Spanning from months four through six, you should have full range of motion within your knee joint along with little to no pain during highimpact exercises, such as running and jumping. Exercises will shift focus to helping you return to full activities of daily living, including any athletic activity you participated in prior to surgery. Goals include no swelling in the knee joint, no evidence of knee infection or irritation around the kneecap, and full, pain-free range of motion.
Six Months and Beyond
After six months of rehabilitation, you should be able to fully participate in any athletic activities you enjoyed prior to surgery with no pain and no limit to range of motion within the knee. Your therapist is likely to have prescribed an at-home therapy exercise program to continue strengthening your leg after treatment to help stabilize the joint and provide a lower risk of reinjuring the knee.
Member Comments