Application after the operation

As described in the previous sections, an angle can be set for the rail. In the following, the settings refer to the situation after an operation on the anterior cruciate ligament. The set angle then determines the maximum possible diffraction angle.

Depending on the treating physician and the type and course of the operations, the knee is fixed postoperatively in the 0° – 10° extension position. This means that the knee joint can perform a maximum flexion of 10° with the splint in place. The splint should be worn all day long if possible.

Furthermore, crutches should be used and a full load should be avoided. Within the next few days, the knee will be exercised by a physiotherapist. The physiotherapist may and should perform a flexion of the knee joint.

The maximum passive flexion of the knee joint should be increased slowly. On the first postoperative day, after pulling the Redon drainages (tubes in the joint through which residual blood and fluid can drain from the joint), a careful passive movement of the knee can be started. This may not always be completely painless.

It is important here that the patient does not actively perform the movements, but that the knee is moved by the therapist (passive movement). Within the first week the maximum passive flexion can be increased more and more. An electronic CPM splint can also be used for this (see below).From the second week after the operation, the splint can be adjusted to a flexion of up to 90° – this means that the patient can bend the knee up to 90° himself when the splint is applied.

Furthermore, crutches should be used and should not be loaded with more than 50% of the weight. From the 4th – 5th week the splint can be used without maximum flexion adjustment. The patient may now also fully load the joint.

After about 8 weeks the splint can be removed. The individual times from when and how load may be applied, as well as the maximum angle allowed, can be different for each person. Accordingly, the patient should adhere to the post-treatment plan that is given to him or her upon discharge from the clinic.

Furthermore, this plan should also be applied in relation to the individual healing process. Since physiotherapeutic follow-up treatment is also provided, the physiotherapist often monitors and controls the further use of the splint. In case of complaints and ambiguities, however, it is essential that the treating physicians be consulted again.