weight-bearing-standing training for lower limb recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Rehabilitation Treatment Plan for ACLR Patients

Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) is a concept that promotes the early initiation of postsurgery rehabilitation care units, particularly after orthopedic operations, when conditions are appropriate1. This approach seeks to shift the clinical focus from treating the disease to functional rehabilitation promptly with the goal of reducing hospital stays, minimizing postoperative complications, improving patient prognosis and satisfaction, and enhancing overall rehabilitation outcomes. Since the introduction of ERAS, Chinese orthopedic rehabilitation specialist, Zhou Mouwang, has advocated for the active application of accelerated recovery protocols to further progress perioperative rehabilitation practices within the realm of Chinese orthopedics2. Internationally recognized consensus guidelines have also been established to facilitate enhanced surgical recovery for orthopedic conditions such as joint replacement and spine surgery3. Nonetheless, while considerable advancements have been made in implementing ERAS in recent years, the primary application has been in major operations, such as joint replacement surgeries4. As a result, there is a pressing need to further investigate and expand the application of ERAS within the rehabilitation of other orthopedic conditions.
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) plays a pivotal role in maintaining knee joint stability. ACL injuries are among the most prevalent sports-related injuries, with approximately 2 million cases occurring worldwide annually5. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is the mainstream treatment approach, aiming to restore normal knee anatomy and stability, prevent secondary injuries, and enable patients' return to sport. Rehabilitation following ACL injury has been an active research area. It is widely accepted that post ACLR rehabilitation is integral for optimizing surgical outcomes and facilitating patients' recovery of sports-related function6,7. However, early weight-bearing (EWB) rehabilitation protocols after ACLR remain understudied, leading to a lack of consensus among clinicians.
The latest research in 2021 supports allowing immediate weight-bearing and full knee range of motion within tolerance after ACL autograft reconstruction surgery7. However, a consensus has not yet been reached in clinical practice. The authoritative British Journal of Sports Medicine published in 2016 also advocates for immediate weight-bearing post ACLR, finding it does not increase knee joint laxity. If gait is proper without increased pain or effusion during/after walking, immediate weight-bearing is considered acceptable6. In contrast, a review in 2022 summarizes that accelerated weight-bearing rehabilitation following ACLR may increase risks of knee joint laxity and bone tunnel widening compared to delayed weight-bearing protocols, advising cautious selection of postoperative regimens8. Additional concerns with EWB include knee pain, swelling, effusion, wound healing, and fall risks after ACLR. Although substantial literature endorses EWB after ACLR, clinical practices still vary. A study in 20209 found that surgeon experience influences post ACLR weight-bearing timelines in France; more experienced surgeons were more likely to favor EWB rehabilitation.
Under the guidance of the ERAS concept, EWB is an important factor affecting patient function and quality of life. However, whether the EWB program could impair wound healing, increase pain and swelling, or impact knee stability remains a key concern for orthopedic and rehabilitation clinicians. In view of the current dilemma of clinicians and inconsistent research results, this study aims to explore the safety and feasibility of EWB after ACLR.

Author Spotlight: Implementing the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Concept in Rehabilitation Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Early Weight-Bearing Rehabilitation Protocol After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Our group conducted a clinical study of early weightbearing rehabilitation after cruciate ligament reconstruction. The aim of this study is to explore the possibility of implementing the ERAS concept in the early rehabilitation of this disease. We developed a standardized and early weightbearing rehabilitation program, and observed its feasibility and effectiveness.There is no concern on the early weightbearing rehabilitation project after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. However, the early weightbearing rehabilitation can accelerate patients waiting to decide and improve their satisfaction, which is in line with the contemporary concept of enhanced recovery after surgery. The early weightbearing rehabilitation program of our team is safe, effective, and feasible.The program can improve the daily activity of daily living and patient satisfaction. We found no adverse effects of the protocol on the old and needs stability of the patients. Our findings provide us a theoretical basis for accelerated recovery of the anterior reconstruction, physical can carry out the early weightbearing rehabilitation for the patients to improve their self, their ability, and reduce dependence and the medical costs.

Weight-Bearing-Standing Training for Lower Limb Recovery After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

weight-bearing-standing-training-for-lower-limb-recovery-after

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

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