This protocol is intended to be a general outline only. The physician reserves the right to either advance or delay this protocol as deemed necessary.
Guidelines for Ambulation / TROM Guidlines
- Bilateral axillary crutches to be used immediately post-op.
- Small/Stable Repairs:
- Maintain NWB with brace locked in extension for 4 weeks
- WBAT with TROM locked in extension weaning from crutches.
- Once crutches have been discontinued, advance to locking TROM to removing brace. Patient must demonstrate excellent quadriceps control.
- For large/unstable repairs:
- maintain NWB with brace locked in extension for 6-8 weeks
- WBAT with TROM locked in extension , wean from crutches.
- Once crutches have been discontinued, advance to locking TROM to removing brace. Patient must demonstrate excellent quadriceps control.
- TROM brace to be worn and locked in 0o extension with all ADL’s for time as listed above.
- TROM may be removed for bathing and exercises.
- TROM brace may be unlocked for slight flexion in sitting for short periods of time and for driving.
Precautions
- No closed-chain knee flexion for first eight weeks.
- No resisted hamstring exercises (open or closed chain) for first three weeks.
- No squats or lunges for 4 months past 45 degrees of flexion.
- Knee flexion ROM performed in supine or prone to tolerance is OK after restrictions are removed.
- Knee Flexion only to 90 degrees for the first 4-8 weeks pending size of repair. To be indicated on