ACL Reconstruction Postoperative Instructions

Month 2

            Incision:

Continue scar mobilization

Brace:

Wear only when going for long walks or on uneven, slippery ground or in crowded areas.

Crutches:

Discontinue

Exercises:

1.                   Extension

-          Continue towel/pillow extensions

-          Continue prone lying

2.                   Flexion

-          Continue passive flexion exercises

-          Continue active flexion exercises

-          Continue active assisted flexion exercises

3.                   Quadriceps:

-          Continue straight leg raises without the         brace

-          Continue quarter squats but perform them using the operated leg only.  (Remember to keep holding on for balance)

4.                   Hamstrings

-          Continue hamstring curls with ankle weights

5.                   Gastrocnemius

-          Continue one legged heel raises

6.                   Aerobic

-          Stationary bicycling 30 minutes/day.  You may alternate this with a stair-climbing machine.  Start at 5 minutes/day and slowly increase to 10, then 15 and then 20 minutes/day.

Other:

Continue cooling the knee as needed

Continue patellar mobilization

Sports:   

            None

Copyright © 2001 Omer A. Ilahi, MD,PA
Last modified: 12/26/03