Day 2 - 14

Day 2 -14

Ambulation

Patient weight bearing as tolerated with Zimmer splint (by day 14 patient should be FWB with Zimmer splint).

Zimmer splint must be worn at night until full extension is obtained.

Minimize walking to decrease swelling.

Maintain the knee in an elevated position (above the heart) by using the CPM or pillows until the swelling has reduced.

Zimmer splint may be removed for exercise, bathing, sitting, resting.

The functional ACL sport brace may be used instead of the Zimmer when the pain and swelling on the front of the tibia has reduced.

Exercises and Activities

Quadriceps - static sets with patient long sitting and towel under heel.

Electrical muscle stimulation with knee fully extended in long sitting with towel under heel.
Isometrics - multi range 90-60* ( not beyond 60*) use theraband or opposite leg.
Quad set , standing against wall, pushing back extended knee into rolled towel, progress to straight leg raising to 30* in standing.

Patellar mobilizations if needed
Hip adductors/abductors strengthening as tolerated
Hamstrings - active progress to resisted ( Don't do if hamstring reconstruction )
Heel raises
Proprioceptive exercises - standing on surgical leg, progress to stork lifting free leg in front and behind

Goals

Obtain full extension / hyperextension

Minimize swelling

Allow wound healing

Maintain active quads control

Achieve 90* of flexion