Dr. Mitchell W. Larsen MD
Director of Education
Central Utah Sports Medicine
1055 N 500 W Bld C Ste 121
Provo, UT 84604
(801)373-7350

POSTEROLATERAL CORNER RECONSTRUCTION PROTOCOL

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Preoperative instructions :

• Non-weight bearing with crutches

• Instruction in immediate postoperative activities/hospital course

• Brace stays on for all exercises. May open brace to put muscle stimulator on and to perform patella mobilizations.

PHASE I:

Postoperative 1 to 4 weeks:

Brace:

• Locked at 0° or full extension

Weightbearing Status

• Non-weight bearing

Exercises:

• Ankle Pumps

• Patella mobilization and passive extension to zero

• Quadriceps sets, adductor sets with quad sets, gluteus sets, straight leg raises (flexion)

PHASE II:

Postoperative 4 weeks:

Brace:

• Continue locked in full extension at night, unlock for PT

Weightbearing Status

• Non-weight bearing

Exercises:

• Continue prior exercises

• Initiate passive range of motion/active assisted range of motion to tolerance

Postoperative 6 weeks:

Brace:

• Unlock brace – may discharge when gait is non-antalgic

Weightbearing Status:

• WBAT – advance to FWB

Exercises:

• Work toward regaining full active flexion seated, not against gravity

• Initiate exercise bike and swimming, emphasizing range of motion

• Initiate progressive resistance exercises for quadriceps only (i.e., knee extension)

Postoperative 10 weeks:

Exercises:

• Initiate hamstring work against gravity and progress to progressive resistance exercises as tolerated.

PHASE III:

Postoperative 12 weeks:

Exercises:

• Bicycle for ROM and endurance

• Pool program (strengthening, swimming, walking)

• Emphasize closed kinetic chain exercises:

• Mini-squats

• Lateral lunges

• Front lunges

• Wall squats

• Leg press

• Continue isotonic strengthening:

• Knee extension

• Hip abduction/adduction

• Light hamstring curls (if necessary)

• Stairmaster for endurance training/Pre-cor/Nordic Trac

phase IV:

Postoperative 4 to 6 months:

• Gradually initiate running or agility drills (pool/unweighted)

• Continue all strengthening exercises

• Gradual return to sports activity (6 months or longer)