Early Weight-Bearing Rehabilitation Protocol After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Our group conducted a clinical study of early weight-bearing rehabilitation after cruciate ligament reconstruction. The aim of this study is to explore the possibility of implementing the ERAS concept in the early rehabilitation of this disease. We developed a standardized and a deterred early weight-bearing rehabilitation program and observed its feasibility and effectiveness.

There is no concern on the early weight-bearing rehabilitation project after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. However, the early weight-bearing rehabilitation can accelerate patients'return to society and improve their satisfaction, which is in line with the contemporary concept of enhanced recovery of surgery. The early weight-bearing rehabilitation program of our team is safe, effective, and feasible.

The program can improve the daily activity or daily allowing and the patient satisfaction. We found no adverse effects of the protocol on the old and the knee stability of the patients. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for accelerated recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Physical therapist can carry out the early weight-bearing rehabilitation for the patients to improve their self-bearability and reduce dependence and medical costs. After performing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, inform the patient about the rehabilitation process. Elevate the affected lower limb to an angle of 30 degrees from the horizontal line.

Place a cold pack on the affected knee for 20 minutes three times daily. When awake, perform ankle pump exercises for five minutes every hour. Have a therapist mobilize the patella in four directions, massage the quadriceps and hamstrings to loosen the patella and surrounding tissue.

Perform isometric contraction training of quadriceps with 10 sets of 10 repetitions daily. Then, extend and flex the knee joint. Instruct the patient to stand with or without a walker, then ask the patients to stand with their feet shoulder width apart.

Have the therapist stand on the affected side of the patient and give them verbal instructions. Observe body posture in a mirror and adjust the posture independently or under the therapist's guidance. Put the affected leg on the electronic body weightometer and gradually increase the weight-bearing intensity of the affected leg to 25%50%75%and 100%of the body weight.

After performing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, inform the patient about the rehabilitation process. Ask the patient to stand on their tiptoes and hold for five to 10 seconds. Repeat the action 10 times.

Have the patient stand on the affected lower limb for three to five seconds and repeat 10 times. Position the patient in a neutral stance. Have the therapist and the patient pull on the elastic band in opposite directions for three to five seconds.

Repeat 10 times. Then, place the band around the back of the affected knee and pull forcefully while the patient tries to remain still for five to 10 seconds, repeating 10 times. Direct the patient to face a mirror in a neutral stance.

Instruct the patient to move the healthy foot backward and then forward by one small step without moving the affected foot. Repeat the process 50 times. Guide the patient to move the affected foot backward and then forward by one small step without moving the healthy foot.

Repeat this 50 times. Finally, instruct the patient to walk in a straight line for 10 meters with small steps at a low speed.