How long is recovery from ACL and meniscus surgery?
Total recovery time for an ACL reconstruction with meniscus repair is 12-16 weeks, and it varies with each individual. Patients may drive after pain medication, but when the right knee is affected, the patient must wait for 4-6 weeks before resuming driving.
Can ACL and meniscus surgery be done together?
Because the procedure utilizes smaller incisions, patients often have less scarring and less pain after surgery. The procedure varies based on whether the tear is in the meniscus, the ACL, or both. If both the ACL and the meniscus are torn, Dr. Casey will typically do both procedures at the same time.
Is ACL and meniscus surgery a major surgery?
ACL reconstruction surgery is a common but major surgery with risks, like any other surgery.
How long does a ACL and meniscus surgery take?
General or regional anesthesia typically is used for surgery. The anesthesiologist will administer the anesthesia to put you to sleep in the operating room. The procedure usually takes less than two hours.
How long does it take to bend your knee after ACL and meniscus surgery?
When the patient can control their range of motion progression, their perceived threat is reduced and motion often comes back easier. Knee flexion is restored more gradually, with about 90 degrees achieved at 1 week and full knee flexion gradually advanced and achieved by week 4-6.
Will my knee ever be the same after ACL surgery?
Long-term results after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery aren’t always perfect. But for the majority of patients, the outcome is favorable and patients are happy with the results.
Can you live with a torn ACL and meniscus?
Living with a torn ACL: Some patients choose to live with a torn ACL. For younger people, it may not be advisable to live a lifetime with this ligament torn. Although in some cases the ACL ligament can scar onto the PCL and act stable, more often instability occurs and it should not be ignored.
How long is hospital stay after ACL surgery?
After ACL reconstruction surgery, some patients remain in the hospital for as long as 24 hours. As soon as possible after surgery is completed, you will begin doing continuous passive motion exercises while in bed.
How do you poop after ACL surgery?
Reach back for the armrests/raised toilet seat/seat. Slide your operated leg slightly forward and lower yourself slowly onto the toilet. To stand, use a grab bar or place your hand at the middle of the center bar of the walker. Stand up and get your balance before placing both hands on the walker.
What can you not do after ACL and meniscus surgery?
No active knee flexion X 4 weeks. Partial / toe-touch weight bearing for 3-5 days post-op, increasing to full weight bearing–important to watch for lower leg rotation or “heel whip” with ambulation to avoid stress onto the meniscus.
Is ACL surgery good for life?
Patients can expect to stay active, enjoy high sports function and quality of life. A new study shows quality of life and sports-related function was sustained for many patients 10 years out from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair.
Why are ACL tears so serious?
Like all ligaments, the ACL takes a very long time to heal. The reason is because ligaments are poorly vascularized. In other words, there aren’t many blood vessels to provide nutrients for the ligaments, and without nutrients, tissue repair is not possible. Oftentimes, ACL tears require a surgical graft.