Table 2 Recommended rehabilitation protocol
Period after surgery | Immobilisation | Exercise |
|---|---|---|
0–2 weeks | Extension splint | Ice (6/52) post exercise as needed |
Anti-inflammatory medication (6/52) | ||
Gluteal and calf muscle exercises, while leg in splint | ||
NWB until 6/52, passive flexion as pain allows | ||
Do not load quads for 6 weeks—specific instruction! | ||
Maintain cardiovascular fitness | ||
2–4 weeks | Extension splint | Start rowing machine—keep affected leg straight over the edge of the rower in splint |
Ice and passive ROM | ||
Intermittent passive flexion | ||
Swimming with drag float | ||
No active leg extension first 6 weeks | ||
6 weeks | Remove extension splint | Allow full active extension |
Full flexion | ||
Aim to discontinue splint | ||
6–12 weeks | Nil | Active/assisted quadriceps extensions |
Gradually increase loading over second 6 weeks | ||
Full active ROM swimming | ||
12–20 weeks | Nil | 5-km walking/running daily on hills as pain allows |
>20 weeks | Nil | Commence leg presses |
Lunges | ||
Squats |