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Exercise Precautions After PCL Reconstruction

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are two tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect the thighbone (femur) and the large bone of the lower leg (tibia) at the knee joint.  Like other types of sprains, PCL injuries are classified according to a traditional grading system. Grade I — A mild injury causes only microscopic tears in the ligament. Although these tiny tears can stretch the PCL out of shape, they do not significantly affect the knee's ability to support your weight. Grade II (moderate) — The PCL is partially torn, and the knee is somewhat unstable, meaning it gives out periodically when you stand, walk or have diagnostic tests. Grade III (severe) — The PCL is either completely torn or is separated at its end from the bone that it normally anchors, and the knee is more unstable. Because it usually takes a large amount of force to cause a severe PCL injury, patients with Grade III PCL sprains often also have sprains of t

Exercise Precautions After ACL Reconstruction

In the past, rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction involved long periods of continuous immobilization of the knee in a position of flexion and an extended period (often 6 to 8 weeks) of restricted weight-bearing. Return to full activity often took a full year. What kind of precautions must be taken after ACL Reconstruction is discussed here which are, Resistance Training—General Precautions Progress exercises more gradually for reconstruction with hamstring tendon graft than bone-patellar tendon-bone graft. Progress knee flexor strengthening exercises cautiously if a hamstring tendon graft was harvested and knee extensor strengthening if a patellar tendon graft was harvested. Closed-Chain Training  When squatting in an upright position, be sure that the knees do not move anterior to the toes as the hips descend because this increases shear forces on the tibia and could potentially place excess stress on the autograft.  Avoid closed-chain strengthening of the quadriceps