Rehabilitation for Patients Following ACL Reconstruction: A Knee Symmetry Model.

Abstract

This clinical commentary outlines a new clinical model for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rehabilitation, the Knee Symmetry Model. This model has been developed by clinical observation, patient interaction, and by analyzing outcome measures derived from prospective follow-up of patients. More specifically, the best outcome scores occurred in patients with symmetric range of motion and strength. A thorough discussion of the details involved in the development and implementation of this rehabilitation program for this patient following ACL reconstruction is described. Included in this description is the supporting evidence and clinical rationale behind pre-operative and post-operative ACL rehabilitation. Preliminary results from a recent group of patients are presented. When using the Knee Symmetry Model 100% of patients achieved normal knee extension and 97% of patients achieved normal knee flexion.