Rehabilitation Protocols
Conservative and postoperative pathways, organised by phase. Guidance for families, progression criteria for physiotherapists and illustrated exercises to select for the visit handout.
A handout for the visit
Open the relevant sheet, choose the phase where applicable, then print.
A framework to personalise with the orthopaedic clinician and physiotherapist, not a replacement for an individual prescription. Respect protection and clinical criteria, not dates alone.
Knee
Pathways for ligaments, meniscus, osteochondral lesions and guided growth, distinguishing conservative care from recovery after surgery.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction
Pathway after isolated ACL reconstruction in a skeletally mature patient, guided by symptoms and function.
Pivoting sport: often from 9-12 months, only after assessment and sport-specific preparation.ACL reconstruction with open growth plates
Paediatric pathway tailored to maturity, surgical technique and remaining growth.
For younger adolescents, pivoting sport generally no sooner than 12 months, with function and growth review.ACL reconstruction with meniscal repair
Combined pathway protecting the repaired meniscus while restoring ACL strength and function.
Sport resumes after timing and criteria for both procedures; meniscal repair does not shorten ACL recovery.Isolated meniscal repair
Pathway after meniscal repair without ligament reconstruction, tailored to tear type.
At least 4 months for some vertical repairs; often 6-9 months for complex, radial or meniscal root repairs.Isolated medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction
Recovery after medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction, guided by symptoms and control.
Sport often resumes around 6-9 months after isolated surgery; criteria and associated procedures may change this.Knee osteochondritis dissecans (OCD): non-operative rehabilitation
Non-operative recovery for a stable lesion: protection, movement, strength and gradual return to sport.
Progression follows clinical reviews and lesion healing; recovery takes months.Knee Osteochondral Lesion: fragment fixation or microfracture
Recovery after osteochondral fragment fixation or marrow stimulation: a programme matched to the procedure and lesion site.
Prescribed protection → loading and strength → cleared impact → sport; recovery takes months.Ankle
Uncomplicated lateral sprain and talar osteochondral lesions: separate conservative and postoperative pathways.
Ankle sprain: conservative protocol
Pathway for an uncomplicated lateral ankle sprain: progressive loading, strength, balance and return to sport.
Phases may overlap: progression depends on severity and function, not a single deadline.Foot
Recovery after flatfoot surgery, with loading and motion adapted to the procedure and associated operations.
Flatfoot: post-operative pathway after endosinotarsal arthroereisis
Recovery after isolated arthroereisis: walking and motion within discharge instructions, followed by strength and sport.
Personal practice: no running or jumping for 45 days; sport around 2 months only if ready.Flatfoot: post-operative pathway after exosinotarsal arthroereisis
Recovery after isolated arthroereisis: walking and motion within discharge instructions, followed by strength and sport.
Personal practice: no running or jumping for 45 days; sport around 2 months only if ready.Flatfoot: post-operative pathway after arthroereisis with Achilles lengthening
Recovery after arthroereisis with Achilles lengthening, protecting the tendon and progressing gradually.
Personal practice: cast about 30 days; running no earlier than two months after cast removal, following clinical assessment. Sport follows progression and individual clearance.Flatfoot: post-operative pathway after arthroereisis with accessory navicular excision
Recovery after arthroereisis and simple accessory navicular excision, without tibialis posterior reattachment.
Personal practice: cast about 15 days; impact from day 45 and sport around 2 months only if ready.
Any questions?
For information or questions, email me or view the locations and contact details.
Email: daniele.priano@ortopediaevolutiva.com