title: Continuous Passive Motion, Early Weight Bearing, and Active Motion following Knee Articular Cartilage Repair: Evidence for Clinical Practice.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To systematically review the literature regarding postoperative rehabilitation for articular cartilage repair: (1) does the use of continuous passive motion (CPM) enhance healing, and if so, what parameters should be applied? (2) Can active range of motion (AROM) be used in place of or with CPM? (3) When can individuals safely resume weight bearing (WB) following repair?
  
  
  METHODS
  A search using Medline, SportsDiscus, and CINAHL databases was performed with the following keywords: articular cartilage, AROM, CPM, microfracture, osteochondral allograft, autologous chondrocyte implantation, rehabilitation, weight bearing, and knee.
  
  
  METHODS
  Basic science or clinical outcomes examining the effects of CPM, AROM, or WB on knee articular cartilage healing.
  
  
  METHODS
  Selected articles were rated using the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT) to determine evidence for clinical application.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sixteen articles met selection criteria: 12 were basic science studies; 4 were clinical studies. Basic science evidence supporting CPM exists. However, few patient-oriented outcomes have been documented resulting in a SORT rating of C. Early WB and AROM received a SORT rating of B based on limited clinical research and patient-oriented outcomes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Basic science evidence supports CPM to maintain ROM, reduce pain, and promote healing. Patient-oriented research is needed to strengthen CPM's recommendation. Limited evidence exists regarding early WB and AROM post cartilage repair. There is insufficient evidence to confidently address when to begin WB for maximum healing. Appropriate basic science and patient-oriented research are needed for rehabilitation protocols to maximize benefits of cartilage repair procedures.
authors.affiliation: University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
authors.forename: Jennifer S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Howard
authors.affiliation: University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
authors.forename: Carl G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Mattacola
authors.affiliation: University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
authors.forename: Spencer E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Romine
authors.affiliation: University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lattermann
keywords: autologous transplantation; chondrocyte; knee surgery; microfracture; rehabilitation