How we write protocols

⚠ These protocols are a general reference for licensed clinicians, not instructions for an individual patient. The operating surgeon's protocol always takes precedence.

Where the content comes from

Each protocol is written in our own words from the published literature. Every clinical statement links to a numbered source, and each page lists what backs each recommendation and how strong that evidence is. When the literature varies, the page says so. Sources under a CC BY license are credited, and any we adapt are marked with what we changed. Other sources are cited as facts with a link; we don't copy their text.

Tests and outcome measures are named and linked to their sources, with the pass mark each gate uses. We never reproduce copyrighted questionnaires.

How we compare published protocols

Each page compares our protocol with 3 to 4 published hospital protocols. Each cell is a fact in our words, with a link, the protocol's version and the date we checked it. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the institutions listed.

Who reviews them

HEP Drop staff · Reviewed by a licensed physical therapist. A licensed physical therapist reviews and signs off every version before it is published.

Versions

Each protocol has a version (for example 2026.10) and a reviewed date at the top. A published version is never edited: every change, including a correction, becomes a new version with a row in the page's changelog saying what changed and why.

Review schedule

Each protocol is re-reviewed at least once a year, and sooner when a major new study or guideline is published.

Reporting an error

If you find an error, use the Report an error link on any page. We check every report within 7 days. Please don't include any patient details.

Your patients' information

These pages collect nothing. A surgery date you enter stays in your browser: it is never sent, saved or put in a link. The hand-off to HEP Drop carries only the protocol, version, options, phase and, if you entered one, the week number.

Free during early access

Reading, printing and the PDF are free. Creating a handout or matching a surgeon's protocol in HEP Drop is free during early access.

Current protocols

Achilles Tendon Repair Protocol · Version 2026.10 · Reviewed Oct 2026 · 28 sources

ACL Reconstruction Protocol · Version 2026.10 · Reviewed Oct 2026 · 29 sources

Bankart Repair Protocol · Version 2026.11 · Reviewed Nov 2026 · 26 sources

Rotator Cuff Repair Protocol · Version 2026.10 · Reviewed Oct 2026 · 25 sources

Total Knee Replacement Protocol · Version 2026.10 · Reviewed Oct 2026 · 19 sources