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J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2012 ; 42(7): 601–614. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.3871.

Current Concepts for Anterior Cruciate Ligament

Reconstruction: A Criterion–Based Rehabilitation Progression
DOUGLAS ADAMS, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS1, DAVID LOGERSTEDT, PT, PhD, MPT, SCS2,
AIRELLE HUNTER-GIORDANO, PT, DPT, SCS, OCS, CSCS3, MICHAEL J. AXE, MD4, and
LYNN SNYDER-MACKLER, PT, ATC, ScD, SCS, FAPTA5
1Physical Therapist, Premier Physical Therapy and Sports Performance, Middletown, DE

2Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware,

Newark, DE
3AssociateDirector of Sports Physical Therapy, University of Delaware Physical Therapy Clinic,
Newark, DE
4Orthopaedic Surgeon, First State Orthopaedics, Newark, DE
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5AlumniDistinguished Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware,

Newark, DE

SYNOPSIS
The management of patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction should be evidence
based. Since our original published guidelines in 1996, successful outcomes have been
consistently achieved with the rehabilitation principles of early weight bearing, using a
combination of weight-bearing and non–weight-bearing exercise focused on quadriceps and lower
extremity strength, and meeting specific objective requirements for return to activity. As
rehabilitative evidence and surgical technology and procedures have progressed, the original
guidelines should be revisited to ensure that the most up-to-date evidence is guiding rehabilitative
care. Emerging evidence on rehabilitative interventions and advancements in concomitant
surgeries, including those addressing chondral and meniscal injuries, continues to grow and
greatly affect the rehabilitative care of patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The
aim of this article is to update previously published rehabilitation guidelines, using the most recent
research to reflect the most current evidence for management of patients after anterior cruciate
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ligament reconstruction. The focus will be on current concepts in rehabilitation interventions and
modifications needed for concomitant surgery and pathology.

Keywords
ACL; graft; surgery

More than 200 000 anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries occur each year in the United
States, and approximately 65% of these injuries are treated with reconstructive surgery.8 A
consistent approach to rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction can yield predictably good
outcomes, such as a return to previous levels of activity and normal knee function. In 1996,
the University of Delaware published criterion-based rehabilitation guidelines,58 in which a

Copyright ©2012 Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy

Address correspondence to Dr Douglas Adams, Premier Physical Therapy and Sports Performance, 200 Cleaver Farm Road, Suite
400, Middletown, DE 19709. dga@[Link].
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progression was established with specific clinical milestones following tissue-healing time
frames. The goal of any criterion-based guideline is to maximize the patient’s response to
exercise at the current level of function, while minimizing the risk of injury to the healing
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tissue. Based on sound principles and current evidence, the original guidelines have
continued to guide rehabilitative care to successful outcomes.

Advancements in surgical procedures directly impact postoperative rehabilitation. Since the

original guidelines were published in 1996, there have been considerable advancements in
ACL reconstruction surgical procedures and common secondary surgical interventions to
address injuries often associated with ACL tears. Rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction
has continued to move away from surgery-modified rehabilitation, in which surgery
constrains the rehabilitation progression, and toward rehabilitation-modified surgery, in
which the reconstruction techniques are robust enough to withstand early mobilization and
strengthening.33,37 Modifications of the surgery over the past 16 years (eg, soft tissue
fixation) warrant a re-examination of the rehabilitative management of patients after ACL
reconstruction. Further literature and understanding of secondary surgeries and their impact
on ACL reconstruction call for further clarification of their impact on postsurgical treatment
and outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to revisit the rehabilitation guidelines to reflect
the most current evidence on management of patients following ACL reconstruction.

ISOLATED ACL RECONSTRUCTION

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THE ORIGINAL GUIDELINES (TABLE 1) were developed around evidence-based medicine, with
consideration given to biological healing time frames. As a result, the treatment of an
isolated ACL reconstruction has required only minor adjustments to reflect recent advances
in the rehabilitation literature and surgical techniques (APPENDIX). Though time frames
have been included to guide the therapist, the patient is required to meet all of the clinical
milestones prior to advancing to the next stage, no matter the time frame. Clarification and
adjustments of clinical milestones and additions of interventions aim to improve functional
outcomes and to provide a safe return to sport.

Presurgical Rehabilitation
Knee function prior to surgery is important in expected and final outcomes after ACL
reconstruction.17,22,23,47,49,50,81,83 The updated guidelines include preoperative milestones
to reflect the importance of such factors on postoperative outcomes. Patients with full knee
extension range of motion (ROM), absent or minimal effusion, and no knee extension lag
during a straight leg raise preoperatively have better postsurgical outcomes, such as
returning to previous levels of activity and demonstration of normal knee function.88
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Quadriceps strength deficit is significant after ACL injury, ranging from 15% to
40%.14,17,23,35,40,45,65 Preoperative quadriceps strength is a significant predictor of knee
function after ACL reconstruction.17,22,47,52,82 Because of the large impact that quadriceps
strength may have on knee function, the identification and treatment of quadriceps weakness
prior to ACL reconstruction are paramount in maximizing patient outcomes. Objective
measures of quadriceps strength with isometric or isokinetic dynamometry allow the
rehabilitation specialist to track the progress of this critical impairment throughout the
recovery period. Preoperative rehabilitation that includes perturbation training and
aggressive quadriceps strengthening should be used to reduce limb-to-limb differences, with
the objective of improving the quadriceps index (the ratio of involved-side quadriceps
strength to uninvolved-side quadriceps strength) to greater than 90% prior to surgery.21,54

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Immediate Postoperative Phase

The milestones for the immediate postoperative phase (week 1) are active/passive ROM
equal to 0° to 90° and the performance of an active quadriceps contraction with superior
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patellar glide. Knee extension ROM loss is unfortunately a common issue, with one study
showing 25.3% of patients having more than a 5° side-to-side difference in passive knee
extension ROM 4 weeks after ACL reconstruction.60 Even small losses (3°-5°) of knee
extension adversely affect subjective and objective results following ACL reconstruction,
with loss of normal extension and flexion being associated with weaker quadriceps.86 Early
achievement of full knee extension also decreases the risk of postoperative complications
such as arthrofibrosis.30,43 If full extension is not achieved by week 2, low-load long-
duration stretching techniques, such as prone hangs (FIGURE 1) or bag hangs, are needed to
effectively restore full knee extension.55,61

Deficits in quadriceps strength after ACL reconstruction have been reported to be present
months to years after surgery and at various isokinetic testing speeds.42 Quadriceps
weakness occurs to the greatest extent in the first months after reconstruction.17,42,46
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) (FIGURE 2) may be used to augment
quadriceps strengthening activities and has been shown to improve outcomes.48,90,91 The
quadriceps muscles are often affected by arthrogenic muscle inhibition after ACL
reconstruction, which limits volitional contraction. A benefit of NMES is that it directly
recruits the motor neurons to produce better quadriceps strength gains than voluntary
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exercise alone.74 Functional outcomes are improved with increased strength gains of the
quadriceps.74

Early Postoperative Phase

The milestones of the early postoperative phase (week 2 postsurgery) are knee flexion
greater than 110°, walking without crutches, the use of a cycle/stair climber without
difficulty, walking with full knee extension, reciprocal stair climbing, straight leg raise
without an extension lag, and a Knee Outcome Survey activities of daily living subscale
score greater than 65%. When recently reviewed, the average Knee Outcome Survey
activities of daily living subscale score for our patients at the end of week 2 was 60.2%, with
a median of 64% (unpublished data, 2009). Because the median score more accurately
reflected data that had large outliers, 65% was chosen as the suggested criterion. Crutches
and an immobilizer may be used early after an ACL reconstruction. Crutches may be
discontinued once a patient is able to ambulate without pain, and the immobilizer may be
discontinued once the patient has demonstrated a straight leg raise without an extension lag.
If a functional brace was ordered preoperatively, patients may use the brace once the
immobilizer has been discontinued.
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In this phase, treatments incorporate weight-bearing (closed-chain) activities (FIGURE 3),

such as wall slides and stepups in pain-free ranges (typically 0°-60°), which have been
shown to be safe and effective, to possibly place less stress on the healing graft, and to cause
less patellofemoral pain.11 Mikkelsen et al63 found higher quadriceps strength and rates of
return to sports but no difference in laxity when comparing the use of a combination of non–
weight-bearing and weight-bearing exercises versus weight-bearing exercises alone. Based
on this systematic review, it appears that non–weight-bearing exercises and weight-bearing
exercises can be safely incorporated into the rehabilitation process without deleterious
effects on the healing ACL graft, as long as undue strain on the healing graft is avoided (ie,
limiting knee ROM from 90° to 45° for the non–weight-bearing exercises, progressing to
knee ROM from 90° to 10° by week 12).

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Intermediate Postoperative Phase

The milestones for the intermediate postoperative phase are knee flexion within 10° of the
uninvolved side and a quadriceps index greater than 60%. Balance and neuromuscular re-
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education exercises begin in this time frame (FIGURES 4 and 5). Neuromuscular alterations
(ie, muscle inhibition, impaired sensorimotor function) around the ACL-reconstructed knee
may contribute to clinical impairments, such as strength loss, atrophy, and altered
function.42 The use of balance and neuromuscular re-education activities has shown no
adverse effects of increased joint laxity or decreased strength when compared to standard
rehabilitation methods.16 Self-reported knee function after ACL reconstruction improves
with a neuromuscular rehabilitation program.80

Late Postoperative Phase

The frequency of treatment during the late-postoperative time frame is based on the
remaining impairments. The milestones are a quadriceps index greater than 80%, a normal
gait pattern, full knee ROM, and knee joint effusion equal to a grade of trace or less. The
quadriceps index of 80% represents a minimal deficit in strength71,99 and has been
previously used to distinguish between poor and good quadriceps strength.52,72,87 The
quadriceps index of 80% has also been used as a cutoff for the use of NMES to augment
quadriceps strengthening.91 Effusion can be assessed using the modified stroke test (TABLE
2) as a reliable method of rating knee effusion in the outpatient setting.95
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Transitional Phase
Once a patient is 8 weeks postsurgery and has met the criteria of 80% quadriceps index,
effusion of trace or less, and demonstrated an understanding of the soreness rules (TABLE
3),24 a running progression may commence (TABLE 4, APPENDIX). All active patients
after ACL reconstruction, including nonrunners, are encouraged to perform the running
progression for the benefits of unilateral strengthening during the running gait and increased
force generation from the dynamic nature of running. The running progression begins as a 2-
mi (3.2-km) activity, with an alternation of jogging and walking. The ratio of jogging to
walking distance is gradually increased and, beginning at level 6, the distance and pace are
increased.

During this transitional phase, patients who are no longer being treated in a clinical setting
should progress their strengthening program at a fitness facility. Patients who have not met
the quadriceps index milestone of 80% should continue quadriceps strengthening and
NMES, and those patients who have a quadriceps index of at least 80% may continue with a
gym strengthening program if no other impairments persist. Exercise prescription should
continue to focus on unilateral lower extremity strengthening and neuromuscular control.
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Patients may have a desire to begin exercising the uninvolved side, and an individual plan
should be designed to foster strength gains aiming for bilateral limb symmetry.

Hop tests are a functional assessment of dynamic stability of the knee,7,26,70,78 and patients
can undergo hop testing as early as 12 weeks after ACL reconstruction, if all criteria are
met. The quadriceps strength index (assessed with dynamometry) should be at least 80%.
Additional criteria to meet for hop tests are trace or less effusion, full knee ROM, and no
pain with single-leg hopping. Low to moderate correlations were found between hop test
performance and lower extremity muscular strength, and between hop test performance and
self-report outcome measures.26 Because a single test that captures all the essential
components necessary for return to sport has not been established, several measurements of
limb impairments may be used to capture different constructs of physical function that are
necessary to gauge a patient’s function at a given time.26 Four single-limb hop tests
commonly used in patients after ACL reconstruction are the single hop for distance, the

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crossover hop for distance, the triple hop for distance, and the 6-meter timed hop
(instructions and milestones are detailed in the APPENDIX).
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Quadriceps weakness can exceed 20% at 6 months after ACL reconstruction and 10% to
15% at 1 year.74 Recent research from our clinic indicates that, when following these
clinical guidelines, limb-to-limb asymmetries are reduced and limb symmetry indexes are
restored to greater than 90%, returning to preoperative levels by 6 months after ACL
reconstruction.54 Previous research utilizing these clinical guidelines has found a quadriceps
index of 90% or greater in patients at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups in 55%, 65%, and
73% of subjects, respectively.36 The mean quadriceps index values at the 3-, 6-, and 12-
month follow-ups in groups that received either perturbation or strength training prior to
surgery were 88.7% and 92.7%, 95.7% and 93.0%, and 98.7% and 98.1%, respectively.36
These quadriceps index values reflect good restoration of quadriceps and limb symmetries
when following these clinical guidelines as an essential component of safe return to activity.
We recommend that all patients should continue to strengthen the involved lower extremity
until 90% quadriceps index is obtained.

Agility, plyometric, and sport-specific activities can be added to the patient’s home exercise
program,10 provided that the patient shows no adverse effects of the running progression
(eg, increased effusion or pain) and demonstrates pain-free performance of loading
activities. Patients should be instructed by the therapist and able to demonstrate proper
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technique under supervision, prior to adding these higher-level activities to a home program.
Agility drills during a rehabilitation program can assist patients by allowing them to adjust
to sport-specific activities, such as changing directions, accelerating, and decelerating.79
Plyometrics can improve neuromuscular control in athletes, which can become a learned
skill that transfers to return to competitive play.67 Additionally, neuromuscular control of
dynamic lower extremity valgus is enhanced with plyometric training,66 which may be
critical for the prevention of ACL reinjury.39,66 Athletes participating in jumping activities
may benefit from education on proper jumping and landing technique. High school female
athletes in basketball, volleyball, and soccer, following a preseason jumping program with
instruction on proper landing technique, showed significantly lower knee injury rates
compared to untrained females.38 The effects of plyometrics, however, have not been
investigated in the functional return of patients after ACL reconstruction.

Patients return for functional testing between 3 and 6 months, as needed, based on their
ability to meet the milestones (TABLE 5) within healing time frames or their desire to return
to sport. If any of the criteria are not met, the patient is not cleared to begin return-to-sport
activity. Although return to preinjury levels or sport may be a short-term goal after
reconstruction,19 the intention to return to sports is not predictive of actual return to play.4
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Patients may reduce their activity levels for a variety of reasons, including social reasons,
knee problems, or fear of reinjury.69,98 Additionally, not all athletes have or take the
opportunity to return to previous activity levels or sports.

For those who do desire to return to their previous level of sport participation, strict return-
to-sport criteria have been developed to ensure normal limb symmetry and knee function.
Limb symmetry indexes of 90% have previously been suggested as the milestone for
determining normal limb symmetry in quadriceps strength71,91,99 and functional
testing.26,36,68,70,78 Additionally, the cutoff of 90% is used for 2 self-reported outcome
measures in this population. Athletes must pass all the criteria to begin returning to sports.
Following these rehabilitation guidelines and using the return-to-sport criteria (performance-
based and self-report outcomes), 40% of athletes classified as noncopers preoperatively
passed return-to-sport criteria at 6 months after ACL reconstruction and 73% passed at 12
months.37 When assessed at the 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups for the self-report

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outcomes, the percentages of patients with 90% or greater were 70%, 92.5%, and 92.5% for
the Knee Outcome Survey activities of daily living subscale, and 37.5%, 72.5%, and 87.5%
for the global rating score of knee function.36 Using the age- and sex-matched norms on the
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International Knee Documentation Committee 2000 Subjective Knee Evaluation Form,1,31

75% of patients had knee function within normal ranges at 6 months after surgery and 87%
by 1 year.54 Although we have not yet examined return to previous level of activity using
these guidelines, current data suggest that it may improve self-report and performance-based
knee function. Athletes not meeting the criteria continue rehabilitation focused on the areas
in which they did not achieve the desired return-to-sport score.

Once cleared, patients do not directly return to competition. Athletes begin with lower-level
sports participation in practice and gradually build up to competition, while monitoring pain,
effusion, and ROM.25 A systematic approach for return to sport participation that accounts
for pain and apprehension is recommended (FIGURE 6).25 If postoperative bracing is used,
our evidence shows that patients may discontinue use of the brace at 1 year.29 The patient’s
activity level should be monitored utilizing the soreness guidelines to minimize the potential
recurrence of impairments.

GRAFT TYPES
GRAFT SELECTION IS AN IMPORTANT consideration for the rehabilitation specialist. Certain factors should
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be considered when rehabilitating patients with different graft types. With a bone-patellar
tendon-bone autograft, donor-site morbidity can occur, and the rehabilitation specialist
should be aware of patellar tendon pain during quadriceps strengthening.44 Although no
difference in anterior knee pain has been consistently shown in patients who have had a
bone-patellar tendon-bone compared to a hamstring autograft,84 an increased incidence of
pain with kneeling has been found in those with the bone-patellar tendon-bone procedure.93
Patellar taping and pain modalities may be effective in decreasing patellar tendon pain that
patients may experience.

If a hamstring autograft is used, resisted hamstring activities are not performed for 12 weeks
after surgery. After hamstring graft harvest, the hamstring muscles retract, although most
tendons eventually regenerate and muscle force improves by 6 to 12 months after ACL
reconstruction.57,100,101 Resisted hamstring strengthening is delayed to allow for appropriate
soft tissue healing and to limit irritation to the hamstring donor site. After 12 weeks, the
patient can begin a resisted hamstring-strengthening progression and activities according to
the soreness rules. The use of hamstring autografts does not appear to limit the recovery of
hamstring strength.13,101 Additionally, bone-patellar tendon-bone and hamstring autograft
procedures do not differ in clinical and functional outcomes in terms of laxity, clinical
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outcome, time to return to sports, patellofemoral crepitations, single-legged hop test, ROM,
thigh muscle circumference, or anterior knee sensory deficit.85 Because the use of hamstring
autografts does not influence clinical or functional outcomes and demonstrates good strength
recovery,3,85 the 12-week restriction is used to allow for necessary hamstring recovery after
harvesting.

Recent advances in surgical technique include use of a double-bundle graft to attempt to

replicate the anatomical nature of the ACL. Double-bundle grafts have shown some
advantage in decreasing anterior and rotational laxity after surgery,89 but no modifications
to the rehabilitation guidelines are warranted when compared with single-bundle grafts.

Clinical and functional outcomes after ACL reconstruction using allograft tissue compared
to autograft tissue appear to be similar.12,96 An allograft selection has the advantage of
having no graft donor-site morbidity, and donor-site precautions are not necessary during the

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rehabilitation process.32 Even though nonirradiated allografts are equal in strength to

autografts, allograft healing is delayed regarding graft incorporation and remodeling.32 An
increased risk for graft failure has been proposed as a potential limitation to allograft
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utilization. Individuals with an allograft were 5 times more likely to have an ACL graft
failure than those with an autograft.9,51 In patients participating at a high activity level after
reconstruction, allograft failure was 14.1 times more likely than autograft failure.9 Patients
following allograft ACL reconstruction have faster immediate postoperative recovery and
less operative pain, suggesting that they may be more likely to attempt return to high-level
sports prematurely.9,15 Combined with delayed healing of the allograft, premature return to
sports may put these athletes at greater risk for graft failure. Recent evidence indicates that it
may be more beneficial in younger patients to use an autograft,92 but there is no evidence
that delaying return to sport decreases the likelihood of rerupture if an allograft is used.
Therefore, all individuals, despite graft selection, should be required to meet the criteria at
each phase before being able to progress to the next phase of the rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation specialists should maintain the latest knowledge of the effect of graft
selection, as evidence continues to emerge to determine the effect on return to sport.

MENISCAL INJURY
THE MENISCUS PLAYS A LARGE ROLE in the integrity of the knee, with contributions to shock absorption,
load transmission, joint nutrition, and stability.5 Typically, when a partial arthroscopic
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meniscectomy is performed concurrently with an ACL reconstruction, no modifications to

rehabilitation are necessary unless specified by the surgeon.

Meniscal repairs have become increasingly more common with the introduction of
arthroscopic fixation techniques.97 Meniscal repairs performed at the time of the ACL
reconstruction have superior healing rates and better outcomes in comparison to isolated
meniscal repairs.76 Toman et al97 showed a greater than 90% clinical success rate in patients
who had meniscus repair in conjunction with ACL reconstruction. In that study,97 surgeons
were allowed to select the postoperative rehabilitation program; however, other studies have
included the more aggressive rehabilitation typically used following ACL reconstruction and
have shown similar success rates.6,59 The clinical practice guidelines, “Knee Pain and
Mobility Impairments: Meniscal and Articular Cartilage Lesions,”56 published by the
Orthopaedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association, suggest that clinicians
consider early weight bearing and mobilization.56 If a meniscal repair is performed
concurrently with ACL reconstruction, modifications include no weight-bearing activities at
knee angles greater than 45° of flexion for 4 weeks, with no restrictions on weight bearing in
full extension. After the initial 4 weeks, weight-bearing knee flexion, as in a deep squat, is
limited to less than 90°. Because meniscal repairs are commonly performed on the posterior
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horn of the meniscus,94 increased knee flexion greater than 90° can irritate and potentially
damage the healing meniscal repair site. After 8 weeks, the rehabilitation specialist should
resume normal ACL guidelines. Therefore, there are no additional restrictions on running
progressions for an ACL reconstruction with meniscal repair.

Meniscus transplantation is also now being performed more often. It is still considered a
joint-preserving surgery without return to sports as a goal. Meniscus transplant is complex,
and each procedure is different. Often, meniscus transplantation is performed with a
concomitant tibial or femoral osteotomy. Meniscus transplantation and ACL reconstruction
are often staged. The rehabilitation guidelines for meniscal transplantation are therefore
beyond the scope of this paper, and these guidelines should not be used for patients with
staged or concomitant ACL reconstruction and meniscus transplantation.

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CHONDRAL DEFECTS
ADDRESSING CHONDRAL DEFECTS OF the knee has been an area of significant advancement in recent
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years. With the increased understanding of articular cartilage lesions and the development of
chondral repair interventions (eg, autologous chondrocyte transplantation), these situations
present unique tissue healing dilemmas. Similar to a meniscus transplant, articular cartilage
repair is often performed with a concomitant tibial or femoral osteotomy, and articular
cartilage repair and ACL reconstruction are often staged.53

A patient who undergoes a chondral debridement may be weight bearing as tolerated with
crutches for 3 to 5 days after surgery, with no other modification of the post–ACL
reconstruction rehabilitation guidelines.77 Microfracture procedures are performed
arthroscopically, usually in conjunction with ACL reconstruction, with the cartilage surgical
site requiring additional protection. Patients are non–weight bearing with crutches from 2 to
8 weeks, depending on knee pain, effusion, the surgeon’s preference, and the location and
size of the lesion. Lesions that are larger in size and in weight-bearing zones will require
additional precautions.77

Procedures aimed at repairing the damaged articular cartilage are becoming more popular.
The influence of articular cartilage in the prevention of degenerative changes and generation
of pain is more widely appreciated,2 and the preservation of the cartilage is encouraged
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when possible. Procedures such as osteochondral autograft transfer system (OATS) and
autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) challenge the rehabilitation specialist to further
enhance rehabilitation techniques. Recent literature has focused on identifying the most
beneficial intervention and the individuals most likely to benefit from cartilage repair. Few
of these studies have produced higher-level evidence and many lack control groups. ACI
and OATS have been shown to lead to better outcomes than microfracture surgery.
Microfracture, OATS, and ACI procedures have all demonstrated the ability to return
athletes to sport with rates of 59% to 66%, 91% to 93%, and 67% to 78%, respectively.34,64
The patients who were younger, had shorter preoperative symptom duration, had no prior
surgical intervention, and higher preinjury and postsurgical levels of sports participation,
had better outcomes and higher rates of return to sport.34 Rehabilitation after isolated
chondral repair surgery is highly individualized (depending on factors such as the size and
location of the lesions), and rehabilitation guidelines can be found for the different isolated
chondral repair surgeries.77 Due to the complexity of the surgeries and specific needs of
postoperative management, the most conservative guidelines following chondral repair
procedures should be followed with concomitant ACL reconstruction.77

Return to sports after chondral injuries is controversial, and studies to assess the
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effectiveness of chondral surgeries are increasingly available. The authors of a systematic

review on articular cartilage repair in the athlete’s knee examined 20 studies on clinical
outcomes and return to competition.64 With an average of 42-month follow-up, 79% of
patients reported good to excellent results using self-report outcome measures. Seventy-
three percent returned to sports participation 7 to 18 months postsurgery, depending on the
surgical technique. A decline in continued sports participation at the same preinjury level
was observed at 2 to 5 years after surgery.64 For microfracture and OATS procedures, we
use the same criteria-based guidelines for progression of exercise and determination of
readiness for return to sports. Our guidelines for ACI procedures are typically surgeon
specific, due to the nature of the technique, larger lesion size, and length of healing time and
rehabilitation.64 However, soreness and effusion guidelines are still used to direct the
rehabilitation process and readiness for return-to-sport testing.

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LIGAMENTOUS
WHEN THERE IS A TEAR OF THE MEdial collateral ligament (MCL) combined with an ACL rupture, the
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MCL is typically treated nonsurgically. The severity of the MCL injury may contribute to
the outcome of a combined ACL-MCL injury when the MCL is treated nonoperatively.20,41
Much of the current histological and mechanical healing literature on nonoperative
management of the MCL has been done on animals, and this should be considered when
interpreting the literature. ACL reconstruction is usually delayed to allow for the MCL to
heal and to correct any additional impairments that the patient may exhibit. Petersen and
Laprell75 evaluated the effects of early (within 3 weeks of the original injury) versus delayed
(minimum of 10 weeks after injury) ACL reconstruction in patients with combined ACL-
MCL injuries. They found that patients who had late ACL reconstruction had significantly
lower rates of ROM complications in both flexion and extension and lower rates of re-
arthroscopies to address extension ROM losses, as well as significantly better outcomes in
Lysholm scores.

When combined ACL-MCL injuries occur, during the preoperative stage, modifications to
the rehabilitation process are warranted. Treatment should be restricted to the exercises/
movements performed in the sagittal plane for 4 to 6 weeks to allow for MCL healing. Tibial
internal rotation, to minimize valgus stresses on the healing MCL, should also be maintained
during resisted strengthening exercises (TABLE 6).
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For individuals with chronic MCL insufficiency and failed conservative management, an
MCL repair with ACL reconstruction may be indicated. In this scenario, patients use
crutches for 5 weeks, wear an immobilizer with the knee in full extension (0°) for 6 weeks,
and are weight bearing as tolerated immediately postoperative day 1.73 Except for these
modifications, these patients will continue with the ACL reconstruction guidelines for the
isolated ACL reconstruction (APPENDIX).

Multiligament instability (ie, knee dislocation) occurs when the ACL, posterior cruciate
ligament, and either the medial structures or the lateral and posterolateral structures of the
knee are ruptured. This injury typically occurs in situations involving high-energy forces,
such as motor vehicle accidents and catastrophic sports injuries. Typically, a 6- to 8-week
period of non–weight bearing is recommended after multiligament stabilization surgery.20
Individuals who had a posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction concomitant with ACL
reconstruction should follow the more conservative posterior cruciate ligament postsurgical
rehabilitation guidelines. With posterolateral corner repair/reconstruction, the rehabilitation
specialist should minimize tibial external rotation and varus stresses. These patients should
also avoid hyperextension and resisted knee flexion for 12 weeks.62
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There have been limited studies published on the effective management of an ACL revision.
The current literature has shown worse outcomes after ACL revisions in comparison to
primary ACL reconstruction.28 In a study by Fox et al,27 an identical rehabilitation program
was used for revision and primary ACL reconstruction. Although the rehabilitation program
itself could not be directly associated with a higher failure rate in those with revision
surgeries, future studies should try to determine the best rehabilitation program for ACL
revisions. Following a revision ACL reconstruction, the rehabilitation guidelines may need
to be modified to account for possible fixation concerns and complications from previous
procedures by slowing the progression.18 Patients should use crutches and an immobilizer
for an additional 2 weeks after surgery. The initiation of a running progression and
functional testing are delayed to 12 and 16 weeks, respectively, after surgery.

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SUMMARY
THE GOAL OF THE ORIGINAL GUIDElines was to create a criterion-based progression to protect healing
NIH-PA Author Manuscript

structures and ensure appropriate progression of activities for maximizing patient outcomes.
Upon revisiting the original guidelines with a look at the current evidence, we have shown
continued support for the foundation of the guidelines. The principles of early weight
bearing, incorporation of weight-bearing and non–weight-bearing exercises at the
appropriate time frames, and the use of objective measures for determining progression and
return to activities continue to have growing support. The role of concomitant injury and
subsequent intervention necessitates rehabilitation modification to protect the integrity of the
knee. Chondral surgical techniques and continued understanding of the role of the menisci
are areas of expanding knowledge with which rehabilitation specialists should become
familiar to provide the most up-to-date evidence-based practice. With ACL reconstruction
rehabilitation guidelines reaffirmed by the latest evidence and continued understanding of
concomitant injuries, the rehabilitation specialist can ensure the best postsurgical outcomes.

APPENDIX
REHABILITATION PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR ANTERIOR CRUCIATE
LIGAMENT (ACL) RECONSTRUCTION
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Primary surgery
• ACL reconstruction
Assumptions
• Isolated ACL injury
• Autograft: see specific graft types for precautions
Expected number of visits
• 25 to 38
Secondary surgery (possible)
• See precautions section for modifications
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) guidelines
1. Electrodes placed over proximal lateral quadriceps and distal medial quadriceps
(modify distal electrode placement as needed to avoid covering superior medial
arthroscopy portal until the stitches have been removed and skin is healed).
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2. Stimulation parameters: 2500 Hz; 75 bursts; 2-second ramp; 12 seconds on, 50

seconds rest; intensity to maximum tolerable (at least 50% maximal volitional
isometric contraction [MVIC]); 10 contractions per session. Three sessions per
week until quadriceps strength MVIC is 80% of uninvolved side.
3. Stimulation performed isometrically at 60° (dependent on graft site).
Preoperative goals
• Full knee extension range of motion (ROM)
• Absent or minimal effusion
• No knee extension lag with straight leg raise

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 ADAMS et al. Page 11

Immediate Postoperative Phase (Week 1)

Total visits
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1 to 3

Milestones
1. Knee active/passive ROM, 0° to 90°
2. Active quadriceps contraction with superior patellar glide
Treatment
• Wall slides, patellar mobilization, gait training, NMES (see guidelines), bike for
ROM
• Home exercise program: supine wall slides, self-patellar mobilizations 30 to 50
times per day, quadriceps set, long-arc quadriceps (90°-45°), and straight leg raise 3
× 10 repetitions (3 times per day)

Early Postoperative Phase (Week 2)

Total visits
NIH-PA Author Manuscript

4 to 6

Milestones
1. Knee flexion greater than 110°
2. Walking without crutches
3. Use of cycle/stair climber without difficulty
4. Walking with full knee extension
5. Reciprocal stair climbing
6. Straight leg raise without a knee extension lag
7. Knee Outcome Survey activities of daily living (KOS-ADL) greater than 65%
Treatment
• Step-ups in pain-free range
• Portal/incision mobilization as needed (if skin is healed)
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• StairMaster, wall squats/sits

• Progress to functional brace as swelling permits
• Prone hangs if lacking full extension
• Patellar mobilization in flexion (if flexion is limited)

Intermediate Postoperative Phase (Weeks 3-5)

Total visits

7 to 15

Milestones
1. Knee flexion ROM to within 10° of uninvolved side

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 ADAMS et al. Page 12

2. Quadriceps strength greater than 60% of uninvolved side

Treatment
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• Tibiofemoral mobilizations with rotation for ROM if joint mobility is limited

• Progress bike and StairMaster duration (10-minute minimum)
• Begin balance and proprioceptive activities

Late Postoperative Phase (Weeks 6-8)

Total visits

16 to 25

Milestones
1. Quadriceps strength greater than 80% of uninvolved side
2. Normal gait pattern
3. Full knee ROM (compared to uninvolved side)
4. Knee effusion of trace or less
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Treatment
• Progress exercises in intensity and duration
• Begin running progression (see running progression below); on treadmill or track
with functional brace (if all milestones are met; may vary with physician)
• Transfer to fitness facility (if all milestones are met)

Transitional Phase (Weeks 9-12)

Total visits

25 to 38

Milestones
1. Maintaining or gaining quadriceps strength (greater than 80% of uninvolved side)
2. Hop tests greater than 85% of uninvolved side (see below) at 12 weeks
3. KOS-sports questionnaire greater than 70%
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Treatment
• Sports-specific activities
• Agility exercises
• Functional testing (see description below)

Follow-up Functional Testing (4 Months, 5 Months, 6 Months, 1 Year Postoperative)

Milestones
1. Maintaining gains in strength (greater than or equal to 90% to 100%)
2. Hop test 90% or greater
3. KOS-sports 90% or greater

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 ADAMS et al. Page 13

4. Return-to-sport criteria (see below)

• Recommend changes in rehabilitation as needed. Progression may emphasize
single-leg activities in gym, explosive types of activities (cutting, jumping,
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plyometrics, landing training)

MVIC
• Patient is asked to volitionally extend the involved leg as hard as possible, while
knee is maintained isometrically at 60° of knee flexion
• Side-to-side comparison (involved/uninvolved × 100 = % MVIC)
Precautions
• Patellar tendon autograft technique
- Be aware of patellofemoral forces and possible irritation during
progressive resistive exercises
- Treat patellofemoral pain if it arises: modalities, possible patellar
taping
- Consider alteration of knee flexion angle to most comfortable between
45° and 60° for MVIC assessment and NMES treatments
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• Hamstring tendon autograft technique

- No resisted hamstring strengthening until week 12
• Partial meniscectomy
- No modifications required; progress per patient tolerance and protocol
• Meniscal repair
- No weight-bearing flexion beyond 45° for 4 weeks
- Weight bearing in full extension is allowed
- Seated Kinetron and multi-angle quadriceps isometric can substitute for
weight-bearing exercises
• Concomitant abrasion chondroplasty
- Weight bearing as tolerated with axillary crutches 3 to 5 days
- No modifications required; progress per patient tolerance and protocol
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• Concomitant microfracture (consider location and size of lesion for exercise-

specific alterations)
- Non–weight bearing 2 to 4 weeks with axillary crutches
- No weight-bearing activities in treatment for 4 weeks
• Chondral repair (osteochondral autograft transfer system, autologous chondrocyte
implantation, matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation)
- Follow procedure-specific protocol if done concomitantly
• Meniscal transplantation
- Follow procedure-specific protocol if done concomitantly
• Medial collateral ligament injury

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 ADAMS et al. Page 14

- Restrict motion to sagittal plane until weeks 4 to 6 to allow healing of

medial collateral ligament
- Perform progressive resistive exercises with tibia in internal rotation
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during early postoperative period to decrease medial collateral ligament

stress
- Consider brace for exercise and periods of activity if severe sprain and/
or patient has pain
- Nonrepaired ROM restrictions: grade I, no ROM restrictions; grade II,
0° to 90° in week 1, 0° to 110° in week 2; grade III, 0° to 30° in week
1, 0° to 90° in week 2, 0° to 110° in week 3
• Posterior cruciate ligament injury
- Follow posterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation guidelines (not ACL
protocol)
• Posterolateral corner repair
- Minimize external rotation torques and varus stress (6-8 weeks)
- Avoid hyperextension
NIH-PA Author Manuscript

- No resisted knee flexion (12 weeks)

• ACL revision
- Delay progression of running, hop testing, agility drills, and return to
sport by 4 weeks
- Crutches and immobilizer are used for 2 weeks following surgery.
Otherwise, follow same milestones
Running Progression (requires trace or less effusion, 80% or greater strength, understand
soreness rules)*

Level Treadmill Track

Level 1 0.1-mi† walk/0.1-mi jog, repeat 10 times Jog straights/walk curves (2 mi)
Level 2 Alternate 0.1-mi walk/0.2-mi jog (2 mi) Jog straights/jog 1 curve every other lap (2 mi)
Level 3 Alternate 0.1-mi walk/0.3-mi jog (2 mi) Jog straights/jog 1 curve every lap (2 mi)
NIH-PA Author Manuscript

Level 4 Alternate 0.1-mi walk/0.4-mi jog (2 mi) Jog 1.75 laps/walk curve (2 mi)
Level 5 Jog full 2 mi Jog all laps (2 mi)
Level 6 Increase workout to 2.5 mi Increase workout to 2.5 mi
Level 7 Increase workout to 3 mi Increase workout to 3 mi
Level 8 Alternate between running/jogging every 0.25 mi Increase speed on straights/jog curves

*Conversion: 1 mi = 1.6 km.

Progress to next level when patient is able to perform activity for 2 mi without increased
effusion or pain. Perform no more than 4 times in 1 week and no more frequently than every
other day. Do not progress more than 2 levels in a 7-day period.

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 ADAMS et al. Page 15

Functional Testing (Week 12)

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Testing
• Patient performs 2 practice trials on each leg for each hop sequence
• Patient performs 2 timed or measured trials on each leg for each hop sequence
NIH-PA Author Manuscript

• Measured trials are averaged and compared (involved to uninvolved) for single,
triple, and crossover hop
• Measured trials are averaged and compared (uninvolved to involved) for timed hop
Passing criteria for return to sport
• Greater than or equal to 90% on quadriceps MVIC, hop testing, KOS-ADL score,
and global rating of knee function score
Reprinted with permission from Tara Manal, University of Delaware Physical Therapy
Clinic.

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FIGURE 1.
Prone hang. Begin without weight for 10 minutes and progress to increased weight around
the ankle and longer duration as needed for the desired result. A belt above the hips,
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wrapped around the table, may also be used to help avoid compensations at the hip during
the activity.
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FIGURE 2.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). NMES is applied with the patient in a seated
position and the knee in 60° of flexion (varying angles are used based on pain and
comorbidities). The patient relaxes while electrical stimulation is applied to achieve 50% of
the maximal volitional isometric contraction against a fixed resistance.
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FIGURE 3.
Wall squats. The patient begins, back against the wall and legs shoulder-width apart, by
lowering down into a squat position of up to 90° of knee flexion, as pain and strength allow.
The exercise is progressed by adding a hold time in the squat position and progressing to 90°
of knee flexion if not achieved initially.
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FIGURE 4.
Single-leg balance. Single-leg balance should be performed with the stance knee slightly
flexed and avoiding excessive genu valgum. Increasing time and adding distractions, such as
a ball toss, will progress the difficulty.
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FIGURE 5.
Single-leg cone pick-up. The single-leg cone pick-up is a single-leg squat, while touching
cones in a semicircle using the same hand. Proper knee alignment should be maintained,
especially as the trunk rotates to reach the cones. Decreasing the height of the cones and
placing the stance leg on an unstable surface will progress the difficulty of the exercise.
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FIGURE 6.
Progression to sports-related activities (adapted from Fitzgerald et al25).
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TABLE 1
ORIGINAL ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION REHABILITATION PRACTICE GUIDELINES*
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Time Frame Clinical Milestones Activities

Days 1 to 3 • Passive/active ROM from 0° to 90° • Wall slides
• Quadriceps contraction • Patellar mobilizations
• Walking without crutches • Active superior glide
• Neuromuscular electrical stimulation
• Gait training

Week 2 • Full knee extension† • Cycle/stair climber

• Knee flexion greater than 110° • Step exercises

• Use of cycle/stair climber without difficulty • Kinetron intervals

• Walking with full knee extension • Portal/incision mobilization

• Use of stairs foot-over-foot • Prone hangs if necessary

• KOS-ADL greater than 85%

Week 4 • Knee flexion within 10°† • Tibiofemoral mobilization with rotation

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• Patellofemoral mobilization in flexion

• Quadriceps strength greater than 50%†

Weeks 6 to 8 • Normal gait pattern • Progress exercise in intensity and duration

• Full knee ROM† • Begin running progression
• Transfer to fitness facility
• Quadriceps strength greater than 80%†

Week 12 • Maintaining or gaining quadriceps strength • Agility exercises

• Hop tests greater than 85%† • Sports-specific exercises

• KOS sports subscale greater than 70%

Abbreviations: KOS, Knee Outcome Survey; KOS-ADL, Knee Outcome Survey activities of daily living subscale; ROM, range of motion.
*
Discontinue treatments when goals are met Recheck monthly until 6 months after surgery.
†
Compared with uninvolved.
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TABLE 2
EFFUSION GRADING SCALE OF THE KNEE JOINT BASED ON THE STROKE TEST
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Grade Test Result

Zero No wave produced on downstroke
Trace Small wave on medial side with downstroke
1+ Larger bulge on medial side with downstroke
2+ Effusion spontaneously returns to medial side after upstroke (no downstroke necessary)
3+ So much fluid that it is not possible to move the effusion out of the medial aspect of the knee

Reproduced from Sturgill et al.95

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TABLE 3
SORENESS RULES*
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Criterion Action
Soreness during warm-up that continues 2 days off, drop down 1 level
Soreness during warm-up that goes away Stay at level that led to soreness
Soreness during warm-up that goes away but redevelops 2 days off, drop down 1 level
during session
Soreness the day after lifting (not muscle soreness) 1 day off, do not advance program to the next level
No soreness Advance 1 level per week or as instructed by healthcare
professional

*
Reprinted with permission from SAGE Publications: Fees M, Decker T, Snyder-Mackler L, Axe MJ. Upper extremity weight-training
modifications for the injured athlete. A clinical perspective. Am J Sports Med. 1998;26(5):735. Copyright ©1998 SAGE Publications.
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TABLE 4
RUNNING PROGRESSION*
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Level Treadmill Track

Level 1 0.1-mi walk/0.1-mi jog, repeat 10 times Jog straights/walk curves (2 mi)
Level 2 Alternate 0.1-mi walk/0.2-mi jog (2 mi) Jog straights/jog 1 curve every other lap (2 mi)
Level 3 Alternate 0.1-mi walk/0.3-mi jog (2 mi) Jog straights/jog 1 curve every lap (2 mi)
Level 4 Alternate 0.1-mi walk/0.4-mi jog (2 mi) Jog 1.75 laps/walk curve (2 mi)
Level 5 Jog full 2 mi Jog all laps (2 mi)
Level 6 Increase workout to 2.5 mi Increase workout to 2.5 mi
Level 7 Increase workout to 3 mi Increase workout to 3 mi
Level 8 Alternate between running/jogging every 0.25 mi Increase speed on straights/jog curves

*
Progress to next level when patient is able to perform activity for 2 mi without increased effusion or pain. Perform no more than 4 times in 1 week
and no more frequently than every other day. Do not progress more than 2 levels in a 7-day period. Conversion: 1 mi = 1.6 km. Reprinted with
permission from Tara Manal, University of Delaware Physical Therapy Clinic.
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TABLE 5
RETURN-TO-SPORT CRITERIA*
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• Minimum 12 wk postoperative
• 90% or greater on quadriceps index
• 90% or greater on all hop tests
• 90% or greater on KOS-ADL
• 90% or greater on global rating score of knee function

Abbreviation: KOS-ADL, Knee Outcome Survey-activities of daily living.

*
All criteria must be met prior to beginning a return-to-sport progression.
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TABLE 6
RANGE-OF-MOTION RESTRICTION GUIDELINES FOR NONOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT OF MEDIAL COLLATERAL LIGAMENT INJURIES
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Grade Week 1 Week 2 Week 3

I No restrictions No restrictions No restrictions
II 0°-90° 0°-110° No restrictions
III 0°-30° 0°-90° 0°-110°
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