A prospective outcome study of rehabilitation programs and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

We evaluated the outcome of and compared two rehabilitation programs (clinic-based versus home) after a mid-third patellar autograft reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. Thirty-seven patients (28 male, 9 female; average age, 24.1 years) completed the study. Fifteen of these patients received clinic-based rehabilitation (three visits per week for 6 weeks prescribed), and 22 patients received home-based physical therapy (number of visits determined by patient response). Knee ROM, Lysholm, Visual Analogy Scale, (VAS) pain rating, hop test, KT-1000, and Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively. All patients reported good satisfaction with the function of their knee at average follow-up of 21.6 months (range, 12 to 48). Patients managed by home rehabilitation averaged 2.85 visits as compared with 14.2 for clinic-centered patient (P < .05). There were no differences in functional or subjective outcomes in the different postoperative rehabilitation regimens, with both groups reporting high satisfaction and improved quality of life. Cost savings in the home rehabilitation group were significant.