Abstract
The efficacy of the rehabilitative process following articular cartilage repair in
the knee can be the factor that determines the patient's long-term success, especially
for return to sport. Articular cartilage repairs show great promise in allowing patients
to return to their former level of function and, when complimented with an appropriate
postoperative rehabilitation program, can be highly successful in allowing return
to even very high level athletics. This article seeks to overview the most recent
evidence regarding the general rehabilitation process for the common types of cartilage
repair, discuss common complications which may arise, and determine an athlete's readiness
to return to sport. We also address postoperative pain control, evaluation of a patient's
progress through rehab, and adjustments to be made when there are comorbidities present.
Keywords
articular cartilage - rehabilitation - physical therapy - postoperative
