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Week 2 Weeks 3 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Months 5

 

 

ACL Reconstruction Postoperative Instructions

Weeks 3-4

 

            Incision:

Continue scar mobilization.

 

Brace:

Wear whenever out of bed except for exercises and bathing.

 

Crutches:

Continue to use one or both crutches for balance on long walks or on uneven, slippery ground or in crowded areas.

 

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 quad sets

-          Continue straight leg raises

-          Continue quarter squats

4.                   Hamstring

-          Begin hamstring curls (lie prone and bend the knee up as far as possible.  It may help to wear shoes or some light ankle weights)

5.                   Gastroc

-          Begin heel raises (start with two legs and progress to single leg heel raises)

6.                   Side-to- Side

7.                   Aerobic

-          Stationary bicycle 20 minutes/day

 

Other:

Cool knee as needed

Continue patellar mobilization

 

Sports:   

            None

 

Copyright © 2001 Omer A. Ilahi, MD,PA
Last modified: 07/30/04