Abstract
Purpose: This case report describes the rehabilitation of a patient following autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) surgery using an accelerated weight-bearing protocol. Method: The patient was a 40-year-old female who had undergone previous right knee surgical procedures, including meniscectomy and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, 2 years prior to receiving right knee ACI for a grade IV, 12 × 10 mm osteochondral lesion. The morning after implantation, 6 to 8 hours of daily continuous passive motion was started (0–45°), 33/d progressing 15°/d as tolerated to120°. Physical therapy began 1 week postsurgery; weight bearing was initiated with a three-point touch-down gait using a locked brace set at 0°. The rehabilitation programme is described, as well as measures of range of motion, active extension lag, knee joint line girth, visual analogue scale pain ratings, and Activities of Daily Living Scale scores of the Knee Outcome Survey. Results: All functional goals defined by the protocol and pertinent to the patient were met over a 17-week period. At discharge, only continued graft precautions limited the patient's perception of knee function. The patient reported 100% knee function at follow-up (30 months after surgery). Conclusion: The accelerated weight-bearing protocol described in this report allowed this patient to safely progress through rehabilitation with a full return to an active life.
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