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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
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Early Weight-Bearing Rehabilitation Protocol After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Published on: March 1, 2024
Defining an Accelerated Rehabilitation Protocol Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Scoping Review
Maximilian Heinz1,2, Jonathan Lettner1,2, Aleksandra Królikowska3
1Center of Orthopedics and Traumatology, University Hospital Brandenburg/Havel, Brandenburg Medical School, Hochstraße 29, 14770 Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany.
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Accelerated rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) emphasizes early motion and function, not just shorter timelines. This approach involves early weight-bearing and exercises, distinguishing it from conventional methods.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Accelerated rehabilitation protocols after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) lack consistent definitions.
- Understanding the defining characteristics of accelerated rehabilitation is crucial for consistent clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define accelerated rehabilitation after ACLR.
- To identify common features of accelerated rehabilitation protocols.
- To differentiate accelerated from conventional rehabilitation approaches.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive scoping review of Medline, Embase, and Web of Science was performed.
- Included studies focused on primary ACLR in patients aged 16 years or older.
- Searches covered literature from April 1967 to October 2025.
Main Results:
- Sixty-four studies met inclusion criteria, revealing consistent themes in accelerated ACLR rehabilitation.
- Key features include early knee range of motion restoration, early full weight-bearing, and prompt initiation of exercises.
- Significant heterogeneity exists in progression timelines, bracing, and return-to-sport criteria.
Conclusions:
- Accelerated rehabilitation for ACLR is characterized by a brace-free, criterion-based, function-oriented approach.
- Emphasis is placed on early knee extension, progressive loading, and individualized progression.
- Standardized definitions and reporting are needed to enhance study comparability and clinical translation.