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Hrvatski 
Injury of the ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) is one of the most common sports injuries. Twisting injury is the most usual pattern. Patient feels popping sensation followed by swelling of the knee. After a few weeks knee settles down. After that, usually during sports activity knee instability is felt. In more severe cases the patient feels instability during normal everyday activity.
The ACL reconstruction is performed arthroscopically. Two basic techniques are hamstrings tendons technique and BPTB (bone-patellar tendon-bone) technique. In our hospital we use both methods of reconstruction, depending on individual needs for each patient.
After the surgery, the patient begins immediately with a range of motion exercises. Walking is aided with two crutches. Patient is discharged the day after the surgery.
Rehabilitation after ACL surgery is crucial. Patient should stick to the rehabilitation protocol.
FAZE I – week 1-2
Postoperative mobilization. In the first weeks pain control and swelling should be administred with passive and active range of motion exercises. It is important that patient regains confidence in the passive stability of the injured knee.
FAZE II – week 3-6
Main goal of this faze is regaining motion and start of weight bearing. Bicycle exercises begin with graduall increase of the intensity and duration. Walking on stairs.
FAZE III – week 7-12
The goal is increasing a load, coordination exercises and muscle strenghtening. Beginning of close kinetic chain exercises, squatting, stepper..
Open kinetic chain exercises (elevation of extended leg) without orthosis should not be performed until 3 months postoperatively.
FAZE IV – months 3-6
The goal is a complete return to the sport activities. Complex co-contraction exercises, specific sports exercises. Weight bearing exercises for muscle strenghtening.
Absolute return to sports activities depends on many factors; type and level of the sport, active and passive stability, strenght.
For complete healing and vascularization of the graft it takes 6 months.
Returning to sport and full activity shuld not commence before 6 months postop!