Nonoperative treatment of PCL injury
Nonoperative Treatment of Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
D’Amato, Bach
Phase 1
Days 1–7
- Range of motion (ROM) 0–60 degrees.
- Weightbearing with two crutches.
- Electrical muscle stimulation to quadriceps.
- Exercises
- Quadriceps sets.
- Straight leg raise (SLR).
- Hip adduction and abduction.
- Mini-squats/leg press (0–45 degrees).
Weeks 2–3
- ROM 0–60 degrees.
- Weightbearing without crutches.
- Progress exercises using weights.
- Bike (week 3) for ROM.
- Pool program
- Leg press (0–60 degrees).
Phase 2
Week 3
- ROM to tolerance.
- Discontinue brace.
- Bike, Stairmaster, rowing.
- Progress exercises with weights.
- Mini-squat (0–60 degrees).
- Leg press (0–60 degrees).
- Step-ups.
- Hip abduction and adduction.
- Toe-calf raises.
Weeks 5–6
- Continue all exercises.
- Fit functional brace.
- Pool running.
Phase 3
Weeks 8–12
- Begin running program.
- Continue all strengthening exercises.
- Gradual return to sports activities.
Criteria to return to sports:
- No change in laxity.
- No pain, tenderness, or swelling.
- Satisfactory clinical examination.
- Functional testing 85% of contralateral knee.
- Quadriceps strength 85% of contralateral knee.