Postoperative rehabilitation

Weight-bearing was not allowed for the first 6 weeks. Thereafter, partial weight bearing was allowed aided by crutches for 2 weeks, followed by gradual progression to complete unaided weight bearing two months post-surgery. Range of motion (ROM) was restricted in a brace for the first 2 weeks, followed by a progressive increase in flexion motions up to 90° for 6 weeks postoperatively. Subsequently, unrestricted ROM was allowed, aiming for complete ROM recovery at 12 weeks post-surgery. Thereafter, a physiotherapist-supervised rehabilitation and conditioning program was initiated. Running without pivoting or cutting was allowed for approximately 6 months. Return-to-sports took 8–10 months after isokinetic testing and completion of a specific battery of tests by a physiotherapy team. Patients with concomitant PCL injuries were advised to wear a dynamic PCL brace starting from the 6th week for an additional 4 months.