These 2017 clinical practice guidelines from the American Physical Therapy Association provide an evidence-based framework for managing knee ligament sprains and stability impairments.
The document synthesizes extensive research to assist health professionals in diagnosing injuries to the ACL, MCL, PCL, and related structures using standardized examination techniques.
Key recommendations emphasize the use of patient-reported outcome measures, such as the IKDC 2000 and KOOS, to track recovery and psychological readiness for sport.
For rehabilitation, the guidelines advocate for early mobilization, cryotherapy, and supervised therapeutic exercises to restore strength and coordination.
Clinicians are also encouraged to utilize neuromuscular electrical stimulation to enhance muscle recovery following surgical reconstruction.
Overall, this resource serves as a comprehensive tool for optimizing physical therapy interventions and improving functional outcomes for patients with knee trauma.
(Logerstedt DS, Scalzitti D, Risberg MA, Engebretsen L, Webster KE, Feller J, et al. Knee stability and movement coordination impairments: Knee ligament sprain revision 2017: Clinical practice guidelines linked to the international classification of Functioning, Disability and Health from the Orthopaedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther [Internet]. 2017;47(11):A1–47. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2017.0303)