ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation Protocol

Peter J. Millett, MD, MSc

Steadman Hawkins Clinic
Vail, Colorado
 ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation Protocol

Table of Contents
Preoperative Rehabilitation Phase............................................................................... 3
Understanding Surgery ............................................................................................. 7
Postoperative Days 1 - 7 ........................................................................................... 8
Postoperative Days 8 - 10 ....................................................................................... 12
Postoperative Week 2 ............................................................................................. 13
Postoperative Weeks 3 - 4....................................................................................... 16
Postoperative Weeks 4 - 6....................................................................................... 17
Postoperative Weeks 6 – 12 .................................................................................... 17
Postoperative Weeks 12 – 20................................................................................... 18
24 Weeks Postoperative (6 months) ......................................................................... 18
Medication Regimen ............................................................................................... 18

List of Figures
Figure 1. Heel prop using a rolled towel. .................................................................. 4
Figure 2. Prone Hang. Note the knee is off the edge of the table. ................................. 4
Figure 3. Wall Slide: Allow the knee to gently slide down ............................................ 5
Figure 4. Heel slide – leg is pulled toward the buttocks............................................... 5
Figure 5. Heel slides in later stages of rehabilitation................................................... 5
Figure 6. Stationary Bicycle helps to increase strength ............................................... 6
Figure 7. Use the non-injured leg to straighten the knee .......................................... 10
Figure 8. Passive Flexion allowing gravity to bend the knee to 90 degrees................... 10
Figure 9. Straight leg raises – lying (left) and seated (right) ..................................... 11
Figure 10. Partial squat using Table for stabilization................................................ 13
Figure 11. Toe Raise .......................................................................................... 14
Figure 12. Leg press using 90-0 degree range........................................................ 16

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ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation Protocol
One of the most common complications following ACL reconstruction is loss of motion,
especially loss of extension. Loss of knee extension has been shown to result in a limp,
quadriceps muscle weakness, and anterior knee pain. Studies have demonstrated that the
timing of ACL surgery has a significant influence on the development of postoperative knee
stiffness.

THE HIGHEST INCIDENCE OF KNEE STIFFNESS OCCURS IF ACL SURGERY IS PERFORMED

WHEN THE KNEE IS SWOLLEN, PAINFUL, AND HAS A LIMITED RANGE OF MOTION.

The risk of developing a stiff knee after surgery can be significantly reduced if the surgery is
delayed until the acute inflammatory phase has passed, the swelling has subsided, a normal
or near normal range of motion (especially extension) has been obtained, and a normal gait
pattern has been reestablished.

Preoperative Rehabilitation Phase

Prepare for surgery using the information within this section.

Goals: * Control pain and swelling

* Restore normal range of motion
* Develop muscle strength sufficient for normal gait and ADL
* Mentally prepare the patient for surgery

Before proceeding with surgery the acutely injured knee should be in a quiescent state with
little or no swelling, have a full range of motion, and the patient should have a normal or
near normal gait pattern.
More important than a predetermined time before performing surgery is the condition of the
knee at the time of surgery. Use the following guidelines to prepare the knee for surgery:
Immobilize the knee
Following the acute injury you should use a knee immobilizer and crutches until you regain
good muscular control of the leg. Extended use of the knee immobilizer should be limited to
avoid quadriceps atrophy. You are encouraged to bear as much weight on the leg as is
comfortable.
Control Pain and Swelling
Crushed ice or an Aircast knee Cryocuff along with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
medications such as Advil, Nuprin, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Aleve (2 tablets twice a day) are used
to help control pain and swelling. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications are
continued for 7 - 10 days following the acute injury.

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 ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation Protocol

Restore normal range of motion

You should attempt to achieve full range of motion as quickly as possible. Quadriceps
isometrics exercises, straight leg raises, and range of motion exercises should be started
immediately.
Full extension is obtained by doing the following exercises:
1) Passive knee extension.
• Sit in a chair and place your heel on the edge of a stool or chair.
• Relax the thigh muscles.
• Let the knee sag under it's own weight until maximum extension is achieved.
2) Heel Props:
• Place the heel on a rolled towel making sure the heel is propped high enough to
lift the thigh off the table.
• Allow the leg to relax into extension.
• 3 - 4 times a day for 10 - 15 minutes at a time. See Figure 1

Figure 1. Heel prop using a rolled towel.

3) Prone hang exercise.

• Lie face down on a table with the legs hanging off the edge of the table.
• Allow the legs to sag into full extension.

Figure 2. Prone Hang. Note the knee is off the edge of the table.
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Bending (Flexion) is obtained by doing the following exercises:
1) Passive knee bend
• Sit on the edge of a table and let the knee bend under the influence of gravity.
2) Wall slides are used to further increase bending.
• Lie on the back with the involved foot on the wall and allow the foot to slide down
the wall by bending the knee. Use other leg to apply pressure downward.

Figure 3. Wall Slide: Allow the knee to gently slide down

3) Heel slides are used to gain final degrees of flexion.

• Pull the heel toward the buttocks, flexing the knee. Hold for 5 seconds.
• Straighten the leg by sliding the heel downward and hold for 5 seconds.

Figure 4. Heel slide – leg is pulled toward the buttocks

• In later stages of rehabilitation, do heel slides by grasping the leg with both
hands and pulling the heel toward the buttocks.

Figure 5. Heel slides in later stages of rehabilitation

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 ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation Protocol

Develop muscle strength

Once 100 degrees of flexion (bending) has been achieved you may begin to work on
muscular strength:
1) Stationary Bicycle. Use a stationary bicycle two times a day for 10 - 20 minutes to help
increase muscular strength, endurance, and maintain range of motion. See Figure 6

Figure 6. Stationary Bicycle helps to increase strength

2) Swimming is also another exercise that can be done during this phase to develop muscle
strength and maintain your range of motion.
3) Low impact exercise machines such as an elliptical cross-trainer, leg press machine, leg
curl machine, and treadmill can also be used.
This program should continue until you have achieved a full range of motion and good
muscular control of the leg (you should be able to walk without a limp).
Mentally prepare
• Understand what to realistically expect of the surgery
• Make arrangements with a physical therapist for post-operative rehabilitation
• Make arrangements with your place of employment.
• Make arrangements with family and/or friends to help during the post-operative
rehabilitation
• Read and understand the rehabilitation phases after surgery

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Understanding Surgery

This section provides an understanding of the pre and post-operative phases of surgery.

Key terms: Pain control, Drainage tube, Cryocuff, Knee Immobilizer, TED
Stocking

Before Surgery
Prior to beginning the operation and at the conclusion of the operation, a solution containing
a long acting local anesthetic Marcaine will be injected into your knee. This solution will
block the pain nerve fibers and local pain receptors in your knee. Recent studies have
shown that this is a safe and effective way to control pain after knee surgery. In many
cases the injection will last 12 or more hours after surgery and significantly reduce the
amount of pain medication that you will have to take.
During Surgery
At the time of surgery a plastic drainage tube which is connected to a vacuum container
may be placed in the subcutaneous tissues around your knee and into the knee joint to
prevent blood from collecting.
After Surgery
Prior to leaving the operating room a Cryocuff and a knee immobilizer will be applied to your
knee.
• The Cryocuff will provide cold and compression, reducing pain and swelling.
This unit should be used continuously for the first 3 - 4 days after your surgery.
After this time period the Cryocuff can be used as needed for comfort. The
Cryocuff will remain cold for approximately 30-45 minutes, and we suggest about
1 hour between sessions.
• The postoperative knee brace helps to maintain extension and is to be worn at all
times while walking and during sleeping, otherwise it can be removed.
• After surgery, your leg will be wrapped in soft cotton bandage. You can slide the
bandage down to change the dressings as needed.
• The drainage tubes will be removed before you leave the hospital.
After the anesthesia has worn off, your vital signs are stable and your pain is under control
you will be discharged from the hospital or surgical center.
You will not be allowed to drive a car. Therefore prior to your discharge, you must arrange
for transportation.

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 ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation Protocol

Postoperative Days 1 - 7

Follow the guidelines within this section for the first seven days after your surgery

IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT YOU WORK ON EXTENSION IMMEDIATELY.

Goals: * Control pain and swelling

* Care for the knee and dressing
* Early range of motion exercises
* Achieve and maintain full passive extension
* Prevent shutdown of the quadriceps muscles
* Gait training

Control Pain and Swelling

1) Control Swelling. Following discharge from the hospital you should go home elevate your
leg and keep the knee iced using the Cryocuff. You may get up to use the bathroom
and eat, but otherwise you should rest with your leg elevated. The ice water in the
Cryocuff will remain cold for approximately 45 - 60 minutes. Once the feeling of cold
has worn off, the water in the cuff should be re-chilled. The ice water in the Cryocuff
container will last approximately 2 - 3 hours.

DO NOT SIT FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME WITH YOUR FOOT IN A DEPENDENT POSITION
(LOWER THAN THE REST OF YOUR BODY), AS THIS WILL CAUSE INCREASED SWELLING IN
YOUR KNEE AND LEG. WHEN SITTING FOR ANY SIGNIFICANT PERIOD OF TIME, ELEVATE
YOUR LEG AND FOOT.

2) Control Pain. You will be sent home with a prescription for a strong narcotic medication
such as Oxycontin, Percocet or Vicodin. You should take this for severe pain, as directed
on the prescription bottle label.
3) You may also be given a special anti-inflammatory such as Bextra, Vioxx, or Celebrex.
Take this as directed for the first 7 - 10 days.
4) As your pain and swelling decrease you can start to move around more and spend more
time up on your crutches.

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Caring for your knee
1) The first night and day after the surgery you can expect the white elastic stocking and
bandages to get bloody. This is normal! We want the blood to drain out of the knee on
to the dressings rather than build-up in your knee and cause swelling and pain.
If the dressings become extremely bloody or wet you should change them as needed.
Use the following directions for changing the dressing:
• The elastic stocking should be removed first followed by the cotton wrap and 4
inch x 4 inch gauze bandages.
• A clean, dry, 4 inch x 4 inch gauze bandage should be applied over the incisions
and held in place a clean elastic dressing.
• Do not use tape to keep the gauze in place as this may cause skin blisters. The
stocking will keep the gauze in place.
2) You are allowed to put as much weight on the leg as you can tolerate, except if a
cartilage in your knee was repaired, or if this is the second ACL reconstruction in the
same knee. In that case you should apply partial weight to the leg.

3) You can start using a stationary bike. Cycling is an excellent conditioning and building
exercise for the quadriceps. Start with the seat fairly high and use a short diameter
pedal if available so that the knee doesn’t bend too much. At this early stage, you
should just “spin” without any resistance. Use your good leg to turn the pedal.

4) You may shower, but you must keep your incisions dry for the first 7-10 days. This can
be achieved by placing an AquaShield or waterproof plastic bag over your leg.
5) The sutures are absorbable and do not need to be removed.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP THE INCISIONS DRY FOR THE FIRST 7-10 DAYS.

6) A follow-up visit should be scheduled 2 weeks following the operation by contacting my

office at (970)-476-1100.
7) You may remove the knee brace while doing exercises or if you are in a safe, protected
environment. However, the knee immobilizer should be worn while sleeping for the first
4 weeks, and at all times while you walk for the first 6 weeks.

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 ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation Protocol

Early Range of Motion and Extension

1) Passive extension of the knee by using a rolled towel. Note the towel must be high
enough to raise the calf and thigh off the table. See Figure 1 on page 4.
• Remove the knee immobilizer from your knee every 2 - 3 hours while awake
• Position the heel on a pillow or rolled blanket with the knee unsupported
• Passively let the knee sag into full extension for 10 - 15 minutes. Relax your
muscles, and gravity will cause the knee to sag into full extension.
This exercise can also be done by sitting in a chair and supporting the heel on the edge
of a stool, table or another chair and letting the unsupported knee sag into full
extension.
2) Active-assisted extension is performed by using the opposite leg and your quadriceps
muscles to straighten the knee from the 90 degree position to 0 degrees.
Hyperextension should be avoided during this exercise. See Figure 7:

Figure 7. Use the non-injured leg to straighten the knee

3) Passive flexion (bending) of the knee to 90 degrees. (See Figure 8 below)

• Sit on the edge of a bed or table and letting gravity gently bend the knee.
• The opposite leg is used to support and control the amount of bending.
• This exercise should he performed 4 to 6 times a day for 10 minutes. It is
important to achieve at least 90 degrees of passive flexion by 5 - 7 days after
surgery.

Figure 8. Passive Flexion allowing gravity to bend the knee to 90 degrees

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Exercising Quadriceps
1) You should start quadriceps isometric contractions with the knee in the fully extended
position as soon as possible.
• Do 3 sets of 10 repetitions 3 times a day.
• Each contraction should be held for a count of 6 sec.
This exercise helps to prevent shut down of the quadriceps muscle and decreases
swelling by squeezing fluid out of the knee joint.
2) Begin straight leg raises (SLR) with the knee immobilizer on 8 sets of 10 repetitions 3
times a day. Start by doing these exercises while lying down.
• This exercise is performed by first performing a quadriceps contraction with the
leg in full extension. The quadriceps contraction "locks" the knee and prevents
excessive stress from being applied to the healing ACL graft.
• The leg is then kept straight and lifted to about 45-60 degrees and held for a
count of six.
• The leg is then slowly lowered back on the bed. Relax the muscles.

REMEMBER TO RELAX THE MUSCLES EACH TIME THE LEG TOUCHES DOWN

This exercise can be performed out of the brace when the leg can be held straight without
sagging (quad lag). Once you have gained strength, straight leg exercises can be performed
while seated. See Figure 9

Figure 9. Straight leg raises – lying (left) and seated (right)

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 ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation Protocol

Exercising Hamstrings
1) For patients who have had ACL reconstruction using the hamstring tendons it is
important to avoid excessive stretching of the hamstring muscles during the first 6
weeks after surgery.
• The hamstring muscles need about 6 weeks to heal, and excessive hamstring
stretching during this period can result in a "pulled" hamstring muscle and
increased pain.
• Unintentional hamstring stretching commonly occurs when attempting to lean
forward and put on your socks and shoes, or when leaning forward to pick an
object off the floor.
• To avoid re-injuring the hamstring muscles, bend your knee during the activities
below, thus relaxing the hamstring muscles.
2) The hamstring muscles are exercised by pulling your heel back producing a hamstring
contraction. See Figure 4
• This exercise should be performed only if your own patellar tendon graft was
used to reconstruction the ACL.
• If a hamstring tendon graft from your knee was used to reconstruct the ACL, this
exercise should be avoided for the first 4 - 6 weeks, as previously mentioned.

Postoperative Days 8 - 10

Use the guidelines within this section for days 8-10 after your surgery
Goals: Physical therapy
Maintain full extension
Returning to work

1) Schedule an office follow-up.

2) As the steri-strips get wet, they will peel off. Do not pull at them for the first 2 weeks.
3) After 3 weeks, you may apply vitamin E oil or another emollient to the incisions, as this
will improve their appearance.
4) The appearance of your incision can be improved further if you keep direct sunlight off of
it for one year. When exposed to the sun the incisions can be covered with a bandage,
sunscreen with SPF of 30 to 50, or zinc oxide paste.
Physical Therapy and Full Extension
1) Outpatient physical therapy will be modified during the first postoperative office visit.
2) Continue doing the quadriceps isometrics, SLR, active flexion, and active-assisted
extension exercises.

REMEMBER EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE TO REMOVE YOUR LEG

THAT IT IS
FROM THE KNEE IMMOBILIZER 4 TO 6 TIMES A DAY FOR 10 - 15 MINUTES AT A TIME TO
MAINTAIN FULL EXTENSION.

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Returning to Work
1) As far as returning to work, if you have a desk type job you can return to work when
your pain medication requirements decrease, and you can safely walk with your
crutches. Typically this is between 5 - 10 days after surgery.
2) Patients who have jobs where light duty is not permitted; policemen, firemen,
construction workers, laborers, will be out of work for a minimum of 6 - 12 weeks.

Postoperative Week 3

Use the guidelines in this section during the second week after your surgery

Goals: * Maintain full extension

* Achieve 100 – 120 degrees of flexion
* Develop enough muscular control to wean off knee
immobilizer
* Control swelling in the knee

MAINTAINING FULL EXTENSION AND DEVELOPING MUSCULAR CONTROL ARE IMPORTANT

Maintain Full Extension

1) Continue with full passive extension (straightening), gravity assisted and active flexion,
active-assisted extension, quadriceps isometrics, and straight leg raises.
2) Work toward 90-100 degrees of flexion (bending)
Develop Muscular Control
1) Start Partial Squats.
• Place feet at shoulder width in a slightly externally rotated position.
• Use a table for stability, and gently lower the buttocks backward and downward.
• Hold for 6 seconds and repeat.
• Do 3 sets of 10 repetitions each day.

Figure 10. Partial squat using Table for stabilization

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 ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation Protocol

2) Start Toe Raises.

• Using a table for stabilization, gently raise the heel off the floor and balance on
the ball of the feet.
• Hold for 6 seconds and ease slowly back down.
• Do 3 sets of 10 repetitions each day.

Figure 11. Toe Raise

3) Continue to use the knee brace for walking even if you have good muscle control of the
leg. This will protect your graft.
4) Wean from crutches when you can put full weight on the leg and walk with a normal
heal-toe gait and no limp.
5) You can continue using a stationary bike. Cycling is an excellent conditioning and
building exercise for the quadriceps. See Figure 6 on page 6.
• The seat position is set so when the pedal is at the bottom, the ball of the foot is
in contact with the pedal and there is a slight bend at the knee.
• No or low resistance used. Maintain good posture throughout the exercise.
• As your ability to pedal the bike with the operative leg improves, you may start
to increase the resistance (around 5-6 weeks).
• Your objective is to slowly increase the time spent on the bike starting first at 5
minutes and eventually working up to 20 minutes a session.
• The resistance of the bike should be increased such that by the time you
complete your work-out your muscles should "burn".

THE BIKE IS ONE OF THE SAFEST MACHINES YOU CAN USE TO REHABILITATE YOUR KNEE, AND
THERE IS NO LIMITATION ON HOW MUCH YOU USE IT.

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Control Pain and Swelling
1) At this point you should begin reducing the amount of narcotic pain medication you take.
You will be instructed on how to do this during your follow-up appointment.
2) Once you have finished the anti-inflammatory that was given to you, you can take an
over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, provided you have no history of
stomach ulcer. The cheapest and simplest medication to take is Advil, Motrin, Nuprin or
Aleve, 2 tablets twice a day. This medication will help to prevent scar tissue from
forming in the knee, and also help to prevent blood clots from forming in your legs.
When can you drive a car?

REMEMBER, IT IS ILLEGAL TO TAKE PRESCRIPTION PAIN MEDICATIONS AND

OPERATE A MOTOR VEHICLE!

• First, you must not be taking any prescription pain medications.

• Patients who have had surgery on the left knee, and who have an automatic
transmission may drive when they can comfortably get the leg in and out of the
car.
• During driving the knee brace can be unlocked.
• Patients who have had surgery on the left knee and have standard transmissions,
should not drive until they have good muscular control of the leg. This usually
takes 3-4 weeks.
• Patients who had surgery on the right knee should not drive until they have good
muscular control of the leg. This usually takes 4-6 weeks.

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 ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation Protocol

Postoperative Weeks 3 - 4

Goals: * Full range of motion

* Strength through exercise

1) Expected range of motion is from full extension to 100 – 120 degrees of flexion. Add
wall slides (see Figure 3) and hand assisted heel drags to increase your range of motion.
2) Continue quadriceps isometrics and straight leg raises (see Figure 9).
3) Continue partial squats and toe raises (see Figure 10 and Figure 11).
4) If you belong to a health club or gym you may start to work on the following machines:
• Stationary bike. Seat position regular height to high to avoid too much bending
or straightening of the knee. Increase resistance as tolerated. Try to work up to
15-20 minutes a day.
• Elliptical cross-trainer 15 - 20 minutes a day.
• Inclined leg-press machine for the quadriceps muscles. 70 - 0 degree range. See
Figure 12

Figure 12. Leg press using 90-0 degree range

• Seated leg curls machine for the hamstring muscles. Note this exercise should
be delayed until the postoperative week 8-10 if your ACL was reconstructed with
a hamstring tendon graft.
• Upper body exercise machines.
• Swimming: pool walking, flutter kick (from the hip), water bicycle, water jogging.
No diving, or whip kicks.

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Postoperative Weeks 4 - 6

Goals: * 125 degrees of flexion pushing toward full flexion

* Continued strength building

1) Your expected range of motion should be full extension to 125 degrees. Start to push
for full flexion. Walls slides added if your flexion range of motion is less than desired.
2) Continue quad sets, straight leg raises, partial squats, toe raises, stationary bike,
elliptical machine, leg presses, and leg curls.
3) Tilt board or balance board exercises. This helps with your balance and proprioception
(ability to sense your joint in space)

Postoperative Weeks 6 – 12

By week 6, your range of motion should be full extension to at least 135 degrees of flexion.
Goals: * 135 degree of flexion
* Continued strength
* Introduce treadmill

1) Continue quad sets, straight leg raises, partial squats, toe raises, stationary bike,
elliptical machine, leg presses, and leg curls.
2) Hamstring reconstruction patients can start leg curls in a sitting position. If you develop
hamstring pain then decrease the amount of weight that you are lifting, otherwise you
can increase the weight as tolerated.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO AVOID USE OF A LEG CURL MACHINE THAT REQUIRES YOU TO LIE ON
YOUR STOMACH. THIS MACHINE PUTS TOO MUCH STRAIN ON THE HEALING HAMSTRING
MUSCLES, AND CAN RESULT IN YOU "PULLING" THE HAMSTRING MUSCLE.

3) Continue tilt board and balance board for balance training.

4) Continue swimming program.
5) Start treadmill (flat only).
6) You may begin outdoor bike riding on flat roads.

NO MOUNTAIN BIKING OR HILL CLIMBING!

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 ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation Protocol

Postoperative Weeks 12 – 20

Goals: * Continued strength

* Introduce jogging and light running
* Introduce agility drills
* Determine need for ACL functional brace

1) Continue all of week 6 -12 strengthening exercises.

2) Start straight, forward and straight, backward jogging and light running program.
3) Start functional running program after jogging program is completed.
4) Optional fitting for ACL functional brace.
5) Start agility drills, zig-zags and cross over drills.

24 Weeks Postoperative (6 months)

This is the earliest you should plan on returning to full sports.

Goals: * Return to sports

To return to sports you should have:

• Quadriceps strength at least 80% of the normal leg
• Hamstring strength at least 80% of the normal leg
• Full motion
• No swelling
• Good stability
• Ability to complete a running program

Medication Regimen

1. Oxycontin – 10mg. Take 1 tablet every 12 hours after your surgery. If the pain is severe, you
may take up to 2 tablets. Do not crush or chew the tablets and do not exceed the prescribed
dosage. This is a time-release medication with a gradual onset of action. You will be given a
prescription for this medication at your office visit. Please fill the prescription immediately and
store the medication in a child-proof, safe, locked location.
2. Percocet – 5/325mg. Take 1 tablet every 6 hours as needed for breakthrough pain only. This
is for pain that is not controlled by the Oxycontin alone. Stop using the Percocet as soon as
you can. You will be given a prescription for this medication at your office visit. Please fill the
prescription immediately and store the medication in a child-proof, safe, locked location.
3. Aspirin (Ecotrin 325 mg). Take 1 tablet daily for 7-10 days to prevent blood clots. This can be
purchased over-the-counter.
4. Colace (or other stool softener). Take 1 tablet daily with a lot of water to counteract the
constipating effects of the pain medication. This can be purchased over-the-counter.

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