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Knee Ligament Injuries pp 175–184Cite as

Postoperative Management: Rehabilitation

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Abstract

Multiple ligamentous knee injuries (MLKI) are complex injuries that are often associated with tibiofemoral joint dislocations. Such injuries usually occur with high-energy mechanisms and can be very devastating for the patient. Current approach in treatment is surgical intervention targeting anatomic ligamentous repair or reconstruction. The clinician must have a thorough understanding of knee anatomy and biomechanics to determine the extent and pattern of injury. The main goal of treatment is to regain pre-injury activity levels. Rehabilitation is an absolute component of the management to achieve a successful outcome. Rehabilitation protocols should focus to promote healing, decrease pain and swelling, restore the range of motion (ROM) improve muscle strength, endurance and enhance proprioception. A successful rehabilitation program must respect the stages of soft-tissue healing while aiming to achieve good ROM and strength, as well as normal gait mechanics. An individualized rehabilitation program with a closed communication between the surgeon, patient and rehabilitation team should be subjected. Current rehabilitation guidelines after ACL/PCL/posterolateral corner and/or medial side reconstructions can be assembled in four consecutive phases that last approximately 1 year.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Sihhiye, Ankara, 06100, Turkey

    Ozgur Ahmet Atay & Mehmet Ayvaz

  2. Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Dr. Sami Ulus Training and Research Hospital, Altindag, Ankara, 06100, Turkey

    Senol Bekmez

  3. Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University Faculty of Health Sciences, Sihhiye, Ankara, 06100, Turkey

    Gul Baltaci

Authors
  1. Ozgur Ahmet Atay
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  2. Senol Bekmez
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  3. Mehmet Ayvaz
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  4. Gul Baltaci
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ozgur Ahmet Atay .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Mauriziano “Umberto I” Hospital, Turin, Italy

    Roberto Rossi

  2. University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Rome, Italy

    Fabrizio Margheritini

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Atay, O.A., Bekmez, S., Ayvaz, M., Baltaci, G. (2014). Postoperative Management: Rehabilitation. In: Rossi, R., Margheritini, F. (eds) Knee Ligament Injuries. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-5513-1_16

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-5513-1_16

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Milano

  • Print ISBN: 978-88-470-5512-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-88-470-5513-1

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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