Table 1 The standardized postoperative rehabilitation plan

Overall goal: Stage 1: 0–2 weeks: Control of swelling and symptoms after surgery, early progressive weight bearing, and ROM

Control of swelling and symptoms: (1) apply ice at least 3 times a day after surgery, 20 min each time; (2) apply the elastic bandage to compress the affected limb; (3) elevate the affected limb and lie flat on your back when sleeping and cushion a pillow with a certain thickness under the affected limb

ROM and brace use: (1) 0–60 degree fixation, early gentle knee movement under sitting position (2) heel support training, ensuring knee joint at 0 degrees

Weight bearing: The knee brace is secured in the fully extended knee position, and crutches are used to transition from no weight bearing to partial weight bearing as tolerated

Exercises: (1) sitting hamstring pull (2) ankle pump (3) quadriceps isometric training (4) straight leg elevation training (15–30 degrees) (5) hamstring isometric training

Overall goal: Stage 2:3–6 weeks: Early exercise and strength training, ROM, and partial weight bearing as tolerated

ROM and support use: (1) 3–4 weeks: 0–90-degree fixation, complete knee extension and bend to 90 degrees (2) 5–6 weeks 0–120-degree fixation, bend to 120 degrees

Weight bearing: With the knee brace fixed in the fully extended knee position, and using crutches, gradual weight bearing to full weight under tolerable conditions, and gradually remove of the crutches

Exercise: In addition to the training in the previous stage, include: (1) knee shin slide (2) supine straight leg raise 30 to 60 degrees (3) hip outreach training (4) lift heel stand (5) hip outreach (6) hip and (7) seat after knee flexion and stand

Overall goal: Stage 3: Weeks 7–12: Functional regression, gradual reduction of brace use, and restoration of total joint range of motion

ROM and brace use: (1) restore full joint range of motion and (2) gradually stop brace use after full weight bearing

Exercise: Add advanced resistance training: (1) recumbent resistance straight leg raise (2) step-down training (3) heel raise training (4) knee flexion (5) straight leg draft with elastic band (6) recumbent resistance heel slide (7) forward lunge (8) half squat against wall 50 degrees (9) four-point kneeling cross stretch

Overall goal: Stage 4: Weeks 13–24: Early exercise training, full-strength recovery, cardiovascular exercise adaptation, and exercise-specific training (speed and agility training)

Exercise: Continue with the third stage of training and build on this cardiovascular endurance training (power cycling, recovery running, and jumping)

Phase 5: after return to sports assessment to determine whether to return to body contact, rotating sports