[Research progress of rehabilitation after autologous chondrocyte implantation on knee].

Objective: To summarize the research progress of rehabilitation after autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI).
Methods: The literature related to basic science and clinical practice about rehabilitation after ACI in recent years was searched, selected, and analyzed.
Results: Based on the included literature, the progress of the graft maturation consists of proliferation phase (0-6 weeks), transition phase (6-12 weeks), remodeling phase (12-26 weeks), and maturation phase (26 weeks-2 years). To achieve early protection, stimulate the maturation, and promote the graft-bone integrity, rehabilitation protocol ought to be based on the biomechanical properties at different phases. Weight-bearing program, range of motion (ROM), and options or facilities of exercise are importance when considering a rehabilitation program.
Conclusion: It has been proved that the patients need a program with an increasingly progressive weight-bearing and ROM in principles of rehabilitation after ACI. Specific facilities can be taken at a certain phase. Evidences extracted in the present work are rather low and the high-quality and controlled trials still need to improve the rehabilitation protocol.