Recent advances following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: rehabilitation perspectives : Critical reviews in rehabilitation medicine

Abstract

Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament are common. Surgical reconstruction is more prevalent than ever. This review article discusses treatment of the patient following surgical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. Various phases of rehabilitation are discussed with emphasis on early return of passive motion, early weight bearing, bracing, kinetic chain exercises, neuromuscular electrical stimulation and accelerated rehabilitation. Although evidence exists for the treatment of the surgically reconstructed cruciate ligament, more is needed to better define specific timeframes for advancement. Evidence exists that many of these young individuals are not fully returning to unlimited high level activities. This review article presents some of the latest evidence regarding anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation in an attempt to help the busy clinician understand and relate basic and clinical research to rehabilitation of a patient following reconstruction.

Fig. 1

Patient performing wall slide exercise to increase passive knee flexion range of motion

Fig. 2

High stepping over cones to increase normal heel toe gait cycle

Fig. 3

Squats done on a tilt board to increase proprioceptive effect

Fig. 4

Plank exercises to strengthen core

Fig. 5

Plyometric power strengthening via single leg hoping to surface (a = starting position, b = ending position)