| Phase |
Goals |
Activities |
Immediate postoperative
(1 week) |
Attain full extension;
Range of motion 0º-90º;
Gait with crutches and non weight- bearing;
Quadriceps strengthening 0º |
Patellar mobilization;
Isometric quadríceps exercise |
Early postoperative
(2 week) |
Walking with crutches;
Range of motion 0°- 120°;
Open kinetic chain 45°-70°;
Strengthening |
Patellar mobilization ;
Co-contraction of quadriceps/ hamstrings 30°;
Straight leg raise exercise in four planes;
Hip strengthening exercises |
| Intermediate postoperative |
Full extension;
Full weight bearing;
Normal gait pattern;
Open kinetic chain 45°-90°;
Increase strength;
Weight bearing activities;
Balance and neuromuscular re-education exercises |
Co-contraction of quadriceps/hamstrings 30º; Core and hip strengthening exercises training;
Step exercise;
Stair climbing;
Core strength training
Bicycle
Lateral/Forward step-ups/downs;
Lateral Lunges;
Gastroc/soleus stretching;
Hamstring stretching; |
| Late postoperative |
Full motion and symmetrical strength in both knees;
Open kinetic chain (0°-90°);
Increase strength and endurance;
Increase neuromuscular control |
Wall squats 0° to 70°;
Body-weight squat 45°-90°;
Lateral/Forward step-ups/downs;
Lateral Lunges;
Increase jogging/running program;
Zig-zag running;
Sport-specific exercises; |
| Return to competition |
Symmetrical limbs;
Normal knees;
Full competition |
Functional progression; Return to competition; Running;
Plyometric exercises; |
