TABLE E-1 LATERAL ANKLE LIGAMENT REPAIR

Time Frame Activity

0-2 weeks Posterior slab/splint; non-weight-bearing with crutches: immed. postop. in surgical

group, after injury in nonop. group

2-4 weeks Aircast walking boot

Begin to work on range of motion and gentle strengthening.

4-6 weeks Weight-bearing as tolerated*†

Continue to progress range of motion and strengthening, patient can progress close chain activities without the boot and physical therapy.

6-8 weeks

Weight-bearing as tolerated*†

Increased proprioceptive training, patient can begin light plyometrics.

Modalities including ice, heat, and ultrasound, as indicated

Incision mobilization‡

Fitness/cardiovascular exercises to include weight-bearing as tolerated; e.g., bicycling,

elliptical machine, walking and/or running on treadmill, StairMaster

Hydrotherapy. Patient will be completely out of the boot by week 8

8-12 weeks progress plyometrics and sport retraining. Patient can begin single limb hop and lateral single limb exercises

>12 weeks Continue to progress range of motion, strength, proprioception

Retrain strength, power, endurance , Increase dynamic weight-bearing exercise, include plyometric training. Patient will continue to swell mildly until 5 months postop, ice and occasional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory allowable.

Sport-specific retraining

*Patients were required to wear the boot while sleeping. †Patients could remove the boot for bathing and