ACL surgery?

Has anyone here had ACL reconstructive surgery? I'm curious to see what peoples experiences are. TIA

Re: ACL surgery?

my bro did....I lived w/ him at the time. Maybe I can answer ur ?

Re: ACL surgery?

I was just curious how the recovery was and if the knee was completely back to normal after the recovery?

Re: ACL surgery?

I tore my ACL and meniscus. I had surgery. The most important part of the surgery is the physical therapy afterwards. The more dedicated you are to it the faster you recover and better off you are.

I slacked in PT and now my knee is not 100%, but it's pretty close. But I can run, jump and twist. It just gets a little sore quicker than it used to.

If you have any other questions, feel free to FM.

Re: ACL surgery?

Re: ACL surgery?

My brother tore his ACL and my mother tore her menicus in both Knee's. My brother's recovery was a little longer than my mothers but definitly do the physical theraphy. Now they both have no problems that I know of.

Re: ACL surgery?

Message edited 1/16/2008 5:55:15 PM.

Re: ACL surgery?

Are you having the full on "open-knee" surgery or orthroscopic (sp?)?

My SIL had the open surgery and her recovery was longer and more dificult than my father's surgery, which was orthroscopic. However, both are back to 100% -- BUT both were very diligent about their PT! My father had very little pain with his surgery.

Don't slack off on the PT!

Re: ACL surgery?

Posted by Kara

Are you having the full on "open-knee" surgery or orthroscopic (sp?)?

My SIL had the open surgery and her recovery was longer and more dificult than my father's surgery, which was orthroscopic. However, both are back to 100% -- BUT both were very diligent about their PT! My father had very little pain with his surgery.

Don't slack off on the PT!

Re: ACL surgery?

I've had a torn ACL for a few years now, but have opted not to have the surgery since it doesn't bother me too much (i.e. I don't have any issues with stability).

The several doctors I've spoken with have told me that the recovery time, including PT, will be anywhere from 8 months to a year. They also recommend building up your leg muscles as much as you can prior to the surgery since a) you'll lose some of that muscle being on crutches after the surgery and b) once you start PT, it will help if you had strong muscles prior to the surgery. As others have mentioned, PT is crucial after any leg surgery.

If you need any recommendations for surgeons (I've had arthroscopy done on my ankle and on my knee for a torn meniscus) or PT, let me know

Re: ACL surgery?

Posted by BlondeJD

I've had a torn ACL for a few years now, but have opted not to have the surgery since it doesn't bother me too much (i.e. I don't have any issues with stability).

The several doctors I've spoken with have told me that the recovery time, including PT, will be anywhere from 8 months to a year. They also recommend building up your leg muscles as much as you can prior to the surgery since a) you'll lose some of that muscle being on crutches after the surgery and b) once you start PT, it will help if you had strong muscles prior to the surgery. As others have mentioned, PT is crucial after any leg surgery.

If you need any recommendations for surgeons (I've had arthroscopy done on my ankle and on my knee for a torn meniscus) or PT, let me know

Re: ACL surgery?

Posted by lo13lo13

Posted by Kara

Are you having the full on "open-knee" surgery or orthroscopic (sp?)?

My SIL had the open surgery and her recovery was longer and more dificult than my father's surgery, which was orthroscopic. However, both are back to 100% -- BUT both were very diligent about their PT! My father had very little pain with his surgery.

Don't slack off on the PT!

I would be having the orthoscopic, thanks for the info!

Re: ACL surgery?

Posted by lo13lo13

Posted by BlondeJD

I've had a torn ACL for a few years now, but have opted not to have the surgery since it doesn't bother me too much (i.e. I don't have any issues with stability).

The several doctors I've spoken with have told me that the recovery time, including PT, will be anywhere from 8 months to a year. They also recommend building up your leg muscles as much as you can prior to the surgery since a) you'll lose some of that muscle being on crutches after the surgery and b) once you start PT, it will help if you had strong muscles prior to the surgery. As others have mentioned, PT is crucial after any leg surgery.

If you need any recommendations for surgeons (I've had arthroscopy done on my ankle and on my knee for a torn meniscus) or PT, let me know

That's the reason I'm opting for the surgery, this injury happened in July and I still have stability issues, I can't squat or twist and turn right. I also have to be very consious of how I move around or I can still feel my knee buckling. I have already started PT so my leg will be strong. My dr said after the surgery I would have to wear a brace for a month or two but that I would be able to walk out of the hospital. I have a 21 month old so I need to be able to take care of him too. It stinks being like this b/c I have a hard time doing certain things with him. The dr also said up to a year for full recovery. 6-8 months being PT every week, 3x's a week. What doctor did you use?