When Will I Return To Competitive Sports
Typically, 9 to 12 months after surgery depending on your progress and which sport you play. The risk of re-injury is significantly reduced if we wait until 9 months after surgery for full return to sports without restrictions. Some patients will also use an ACL brace when returning to sport. We will discuss this during your follow-up visits.
If I Need To Have Surgery What Is Done To My Knee
Because the ACL cannot heal on its own, we must use a graft to reconstruct and replace your old ACL. We drill tunnels in the femur and tibia bone to securely hold your new ACL in place. The type of fixation device that holds the graft in place depends on the type of graft used. This surgery is done under general anesthesia takes about 60-90 minutes.
Confirming The Acl Tear Diagnosis
In order to visualize and confirm the diagnosis of an ACL tear, your surgeon will make two to three small incisions around the knee and insert an arthroscope into the knee joint to inspect the ligament injury. In addition to the ACL, the knee meniscus, cartilage, and other ligaments may be inspected for damage as well.
It is not uncommon for meniscus tears and cartilage injuries to be surgically treated at the same time your ACL is being repaired.
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When To Call Your Doctor
After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the incision site
- Swelling, pain, or heat in your calves
- Pain cannot be controlled with medications given
- Nausea or vomiting
- Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
- Numbness in the knee area
- Trouble urinating
Acl Surgery Recovery Time
The first question has a simple but imprecise answer: itdepends.
If your surgery was successful with no complications and youplan to follow the rehabilitation recommendations of your orthopedic surgeon tothe letter, the best guess is no less than six months. For some, it can take upto two years to get back to 100%.
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Tibial Side Of The Fixed Graft
Once the graft is firmly seated on the femoral side, tension is applied to the end of the graft so that the new ACL tightens. The tibial side of the new ligament is then fixed, similar to the femoral side. Likewise, different materials can be used to hold the graft in place.
Over time, the graft heals to the surrounding bone, eliminating the need for a fixation device. Sometimes the protruding screws or pegs used to hold the graft in place may be removed after about a year.These materials usually stay in place if they dont cause problems.
At The Time Of Injury What Things Indicate That I Tore My Acl
Some patients feel or hear a “pop” at the time of injury. Most patients have significant swelling within the first 12 hours of injury. Most patients are unable to continue playing the sport they were playing at the time of injury. Some patients need help walking off the field after the injury because the knee feels unstable, loose, or wobbly, or is too painful.
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How Acl Reconstruction Is Performed
Youll be prepped for the surgery by changing into a hospital gown and having an intravenous line placed in your arm. The IV will allow the surgical team to administer medications, anesthesia, or sedatives.
Once the sample tissue is selected, its either surgically removed from your body or prepared from a cadaver. The tendon is then outfitted with bone plugs, or anchor points, to graft the tendon into the knee.
During surgery, a small incision is made in the front of the knee for an arthroscope a thin tube outfitted with a fiber optic camera and surgical tools. This allows your surgeon to see inside your knee during the procedure.
The surgeon will first remove your torn ACL and clean the area. They will then drill small holes into your tibia and femur so the bone plugs can be attached with posts, screws, staples, or washers.
Following the attachment of the new ligament, the surgeon will test your knees range of motion and tension to ensure the graft is secure. Finally, the opening will be stitched, the wound dressed, and your knee will be stabilized with a brace. The length of the surgery will vary depending on the experience of the surgeon and if additional procedures are performed , among other factors.
Typically, you can go home the day of your surgery.
Because ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure, it carries certain risks, including:
Acl Surgery Recovery: What To Expect
ACL sprains and tears are among the most common types of knee injuries in the U.S., with more than a quarter million people injuring their anterior cruciate ligaments every year. Although ACL tears are more common among athletes in high-intensity sports, like football, basketball and soccer, anyone can wind up injuring their ACL even weekend athletes and people who lead relatively sedentary lifestyles.
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Acl Surgery Recovery Timeline
Like other knee injuries, ACL injuries run the gamut. Very mild sprains typically heal with just a little TLC from Dr. Van Thiel, along with rest and activity modification during recovery. But more severe injuries like partial and complete tears almost always require surgery to restore normal joint function. Most surgery uses minimally-invasive techniques with very small incisions. That means less tissue damage during surgery and a faster and more comfortable recovery for you. If youre having ACL surgery, youve probably got a few questions about what to expect as you heal. This brief FAQ can help.
Acl Repair Surgery: What To Expect
February 1, 2021
ACL repair surgery is used for an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee. Generally, this means you have torn the ligament, which connects tissue extending from the thighbone to the shinbone. Most likely, youre now experiencing pain, swelling, less range of motion, and other symptoms from the tear and are looking for a solution to help with these symptoms and get back to your previous level of activity.
ACL repair surgery offers a solution to the tear to restore your tissue placement and function. While you may try nonsurgical treatment, there are times that ACL reconstruction is the recommended choice.
Lets go over what you can expect from this type of surgery, so you can feel more confident about the next steps.
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After Your Acl Reconstruction Surgery
It used to be that we would wait a few days after surgery to begin testing the new graft, but we now know that the sooner we get started, the better your outcome. On the day of or day after your surgery, we want you to begin gently exercising your knee with specific exercises that we provide you.
We may outfit you with crutches, at first, so that we can gradually increase the weight-bearing loads on your knee.
For the first few months after your ACL reconstruction survey, physical therapy will be key to restoring function to your knee, so we recommend that you follow this regimen closely.
During the first two weeks, we concentrate on extension. Once youre able to extend your leg fully, we turn our attention to flexion.
Over the weeks and months following your ACL reconstruction surgery, we gradually work on strengthening your knee and increasing range of motion while also allowing ample time for your graft to heal in place properly.
We know that youll be anxious to get back to your active lifestyle, but patience is critical during this time. Most of our patients can resume their normal activities within a few weeks or a month after surgery. When it comes to more active pursuits, however, the timeline is longer.
Depending on your sport of choice, we dont usually clear athletes until 6-9 months after surgery to prevent the risk of damaging the reconstruction.
Please note that these timelines are more like basic guidelines, and your return to full function may vary.
Two To Nine Months After Acl Surgery
Rehab and physical therapy are vital to your ACL recovery and essential to getting back to regular physical activity. PT will help you regain strength and stability in your knee.
Your surgeon and physical therapist will tailor a complete rehab plan that suits your recovery goals. We also have injury- and sport-specific PT programs.
Most people that have ACL surgery need to attend PT a couple times a week.
Your surgeon and physical therapist will work together to clear you for a safe return to your full, daily routine or sport.
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When Is My Follow
At 10-14 days after surgery, you will return to the office for the first visit with our Physician Assistant. We will go over your surgery further, assess your motion, and examine the incisions. The sutures I use are buried under the skin, and do not need to be removed. We will then see you again in the office to evaluate your post-operative recovery at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery.
Weeks 6 To 24 Of Your Recovery
You should gradually be able to return to your normal level of activity between 6 weeks and 6 months after your knee operation.
You’ll be encouraged to continue with activities such as cycling and swimming but should avoid sports that involve a lot of twisting, jumping or turning.
This is because you need to allow enough time for the grafted tissue to anchor itself in place inside your knee.
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Harvest And Prepare The Acl Graft
Once the ACL tear is confirmed, a graft must be obtaineda process called harvesting. There are a few ACL graft options that may be considered.
Autografts, those taken from elsewhere in your own body, can be harvested from:
- The patellar tendon
- Quadriceps tendon
An incision is made to obtain the tissue.
An allograft is another option that is commonly used. The donation must be thawed before it is used in surgery, but this type of graft prevents you from having an additional incision just to harvest tissue.
After obtaining the graft, the tissue being used to create a new ACL is cleaned and trimmed to the proper length and width. The graft is then set aside and put in a special tissue storage unit until the knee is ready for the new ACL.
When Can I Walk After Acl Surgery
Its important to start walking within a day or two after ACL surgery, but only a little. Walking for a minute or two can help reduce swelling, but you shouldnt walk any more than that. After two weeks, you can start walking around unassisted without crutches for short periods of time. It will be 10 to 12 weeks before you can resume things like jogging, running, or even brisk walking.
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Being Patient Can Decrease How Long It Takes For You To Heal After Knee Surgery
It can be frustrating when an injury keeps you out of the game. Its important to keep building quad muscles after knee surgery and strengthening the rest of your leg. Start walking or running too soon, and you risk injuring yourself all over again.
Youre much better off in the long run if you can remain patient. Heed the advice of your physical therapist and physician about everything. This means listening about how long after surgery before you can walk, to what to expect after the procedure. By doing this, youll boost your odds of successfully playing again in the future. The same is true for other sports-related injuries like Tommy John surgeries.
If your surgery is coming up , dont worry. Use the BetterPT clinic location tool website or BetterPT app to schedule an appointment with a physical therapist in any location near you without a doctors prescription. This is called direct access. One other recent improvement to the medical community is the use of telehealth services. This allows patients to receive physical therapy virtually from the comfort of their own homes. The BetterTelehealth platform is only one example of this type of care, and its growing every day.
What To Expect Afterward Your Surgery
Your ACL surgery is usually completed as an out-patient procedure, meaning no long hospital stays to deal with. You can go home as soon as you recover from the anesthesia after your surgery.
As with any surgery, the effects of anesthesia can be powerful. You shouldn’t drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol, or make important decisions in the 24 hours following the operation. Thats why we require someone else drives you home from the operation who can stay with you overnight.
Immediately after the procedure, you may have some pain, discomfort, and stiffness. Before you head home, we provide you with information on caring for your wounds, pain relief, and spotting signs of infection. In most cases, we encourage patients to start moving around and putting weight on the leg as soon as possible.
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Helpful Tips To Prepare For Acl Surgery And What To Expect Afterward
Heres a helpful list of how to best prepare for ACL surgery and your new life afterward.
Only by asking questions and getting advice from others whove had ACL surgery can you fully know what your limitations will be after surgery. Knowing these are the best way to keep from getting hurt or over-working your weakened knee.
What Happens During Acl Surgery
IVs will be placed in your arm or hands for medications and fluids. The doctor will examine the range of motion of the knee and confirm the ACL tear. Next, the doctor will locate another tendon in your knee or hamstring to reconstruct the torn ligament. Sometimes a donor graft is used. The doctor will form the graft tendon to the correct size.
One or two small keyhole incisions will be made on the top of the knee. An arthroscope and tiny tools will be inserted into the knee joint. The torn ACL is removed and other damage to the knee is trimmed or repaired. In order to reconstruct the tendon, the doctor will drill holes through bone structures in the thigh and shin. The new graft will be placed through these holes. Needles may be threaded through the holes to suture the new tendon into place. Other devices, such as screws, washers, or staples are also used to hold the graft in place.
Once the graft is securely in place, the doctor will test the knees range of motion. Other tests will be done as well. The skin will be closed with stitches. Bandages and/or a brace will be placed on the knee.
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Dog Knee Surgery Aftercare
Upon discharge, your vet will send home instructions on how to best help your dog. This is likely to include a short-term and long-term plan for a gradual return to activity.
Your vet will likely prescribe medications for pain and inflammation, suggest ice packing in the first 24-48 hours, and recommend exercises to encourage your dog to start walking on that leg.
Femoral Side Of The Fixed Graft
After the ACL graft is in place, the graft must be firmly anchored in its new home.
A common method is to use screws to secure the end of the graft within the tunnel. Screws can be made of metal, plastic dissolvable materials, or calcium-based substances that become bone.
Your healthcare provider may recommend a specific type of material, although none has been shown to be better than the other at securing the graft.
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Range Of Motion Exercises
Help your dog perform these exercises as instructed by your vet or technician. Ask for a demonstration before you take your dog home.
Ask your vet about the limitations your dog may have for mobility in the first few weeks at home, and be careful not to push your dog beyond those limits. The goal is for your dog to quickly use their leg without further injury.
The specific exercises that youll do to encourage a full range of motion may depend on your dogs shape and size as well as the type of surgical procedure performed.
What To Expect After Acl And Meniscus Surgery
Both your ACL and menisci play crucial roles in supporting your knee and allowing for full mobility. Unfortunately, these ligaments easily get damaged. This is particularly common among athletes, and results in many injuries.
Surgery may be necessary to correct the injury. That said, you should know what to expect after knee surgery, and be prepared to patiently wait before getting back out on the field or start running again. There will be a recovery period. How long after knee surgery you can walk with proper gait mechanics or restart everyday activities will varies between cases. With some recovery tips, youll be well on your way to getting back on your feet after knee surgery.
You may have questions if you are planning to undergo ACL and/or meniscus surgery in the near future.
- How long does it take to heal from knee surgery?
- How long after knee surgery can you walk?
- What can you do to optimize your recovery?
- Can you combine multiple types of physical therapy during post surgery recovery?
The following information helps you better understand what to expect after knee surgery. It will also help you understand what steps you can take to ensure your recovery is as comfortable and quick as possible. The more you know going into the surgery, the less struggle youll have with surgery and recovery as a whole.
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