Table 1 Rehabilitation protocol

day 0-5

· Immobilization in a 0° splint

· Lymphatic drain, cryotherapy

· Three point gait, partial-weight bearing (up to 15 kg)

· Active/passive range of motion 0/0/60

day 5 -21

· Active/passive range of motion 0/0/90

· Three point gait, partial-weight bearing (up to 20–30 kg) in a brace

· Lymphatic drainage, cryotherapy

· Quadriceps strengthening

day 21-42

· Full weight-bearing without brace

· Full active/passive range of motion

· Quadriceps strengthening

· Cycling, ergometer

week 6-12

· Muscle-strength training

· Swimming, aquajogging

week 13-26

· Continuing strengthening exercises

· Running if tolerated

6-9 months

· Return to sports if muscle strength greater than 90° of the contralateral side