Abstract

A wide spectrum of protocols is available for rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and little agreement exists on the specific of strengthening exercises or the sequence of activities. In this article, we discuss the current rahabilitative techniques used at the Mayo Clinic for athletes who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. These techniques are based on established principles of rehabilitation, clinical experience, and new information about the related biomechanics of the knee. An illustrative case reflects the benefits of this rehabilitation program, which lasts up to one year and is divided into five stages. The early stages focus on protected mobilisation and a strengthening program that emphasises closed rather than open kinetic chain exercises. Later, neuromuscular-proprioceptive training and sport-sepcific agility training redevelop the reaction time and the co-ordination engrams necessary for athletic competition. High quality surgical care and a closely supervised rehabilitation program, based on kinesiologic and biomechanical factors as they pertain to the anterior cruciate ligament, are necessary for a successful outcome. Verf.-Referat