Early-Phase Physiotherapy After Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction is commonly performed to restore knee stability after severe ligament injury. Early postoperative rehabilitation is essential to reduce pain, improve muscle activation, restore joint mobility, and support functional recovery. However, evidence regarding structured early-phase physiotherapy following PCL reconstruction remains limited.
Objective: This case report aimed to evaluate the short-term clinical outcomes of early-phase physiotherapy rehabilitation following posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Methods: This CARE guideline-based case report involved a 19-year-old female taekwondo athlete with Grade III right PCL rupture who underwent reconstruction surgery. Clinical assessment included pain using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), muscle strength using Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), knee range of motion using a goniometer, edema using circumferential anthropometric measurement, and functional ability using the Tegner Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale. The intervention consisted of cryotherapy, quadriceps and hamstring isometric activation, strengthening exercises, and heel-slide range-of-motion exercises administered over four treatment sessions during the early postoperative phase.
Results: Movement pain decreased from 7/10 to 5/10, while medial knee tenderness decreased from 5/10 to 4/10. Quadriceps strength improved from grade 3-/5 to 3/5. Knee flexion range of motion increased from 80° to 92°, accompanied by reduced postoperative edema. Functional ability improved from 55 to 68 points on the Tegner Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale. No adverse events were reported.
Conclusion: Early-phase physiotherapy rehabilitation may provide potential benefits in improving pain, knee mobility, muscle strength, edema, and functional ability following posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.