A PROSPECTIVE OUTCOME STUDY OF REHABILITATION PROGRAMS AND ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION

We evaluated the outcome of and compared two rehabilitation programs ( clinic-based versus home) after a mid-third patellar autograft reconst ruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. Thirty-seven patients (28 m ale, 9 female; average age, 24.1 years) completed the study. Fifteen o f these patients received clinic-based rehabilitation (three visits pe r week for 6 weeks prescribed), and 22 patients received home-based ph ysical therapy (number of visits determined by patient response). Knee ROM, Lysholm, Visual Analogy Scale (VAS) pain rating, hop test, KT-10 00, and Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) were evaluated preoperatively an d postoperatively. All patients reported good satisfaction with the fu nction of their knee at average follow-up of 21.6 months (range, 12 to 48). Patients managed by home rehabilitation averaged 2.85 visits as compared with 14.2 for clinic-centered patients (P <.05). There were n o differences in functional or subjective outcomes in the different po stoperative rehabilitation regimens, with both groups reporting high s atisfaction and improved quality of life. Cost savings in the home reh abilitation group were significant.