Rehabilitation of the anterior cruciate ligament in the athlete

Recent medical advances in diagnosis, surgical technique, bracing and postoperative rehabilitation have greatly improved subjective and objective results following anterior cruciate ligament surgery. A team approach involving patient, therapist, athletic trainer, and surgeon is vital to a successful outcome. Surgical rationale and postoperative rehabilitation should be based on sound scientific data, recognising the need for static and dynamic knee stability. The rehabilitation programme should incorporate principles which enhances the well-being of the musculoskeletal system, avoiding potential problems such as periarticular contractures, disuse atrophy, negative cartilage changes, and cardiopulmonary deconditioning. This article is an attempt to summarise the scientific data and principles, and describe a rehabilitation programme which adheres to the data and principles outlined.