ACL surgery - recovery time

[Maxf]

So, almost a year to the day after having my left ACL replaced (hamstring graft), I'm having the right side done.

I'm fitter now than I was last time, and my leg is in better shape muscularly. But, I'm a bit hazy in terms of how quickly I got back to normal.

How quickly will I be able to get back into the gym - specifically cycling/CV work?

I think it was 2 months last time - but I had a chipped kneecap, torn meniscus and ACL graft/replacement. This time it's just the ACL, so I'm hoping I'll be back in the gym more quickly. I've worked very hard at losing the flab lately and gaining fitness and really need to keep momentum up!

Gutted, as flying 10 days after the operation, so likely I'll have to cancel the trip

[Bill]

Low impact and controlled activity like cycling and squats is usually pretty quick (4-8 weeks) but it'll depend on what they find and the surgeon's protocol. Anything more dynamic and you're looking at 6 months though.

You're best off asking the surgeon post-op.

[Maxf]

Half tempted not to have it done TBH. Last time, the recovery was TOUGH - and a year on I'm still not right on that leg. I'm not convinced the benefit of having it done stacks up - the only sports I am involved in are fairly limited in terms of range of movement - cycling/rowing and general gym stuff.

My worry though, is if I don't get it done, I'll just get weaker and weaker, prolonging recovery when I am forced to have it done.

[Bill]

It's the instability and giving way that are the issues long term, with the associated increase in wear and tear. It's possible to get away with it by having really good quads strength but you have to keep that going ad infinitum.

[Maxf]

Yes, two issues - training my quads in 20 years time (I'm early 30s) might not be as important to me and also, when it does give way I end up limping for the next 10 minutes!

[Bill]

And the early onset arthritis

[Maxf]

Bill said:

And the early onset arthritis

Thats swung it for me. Just confirmed my appointment with the knife on the 5th Feb.

Next thread is going to be on how to maintain the strength, fitness and beginnings of looking 'trim' I've worked hard on for most of 2010.

[The_Doc]

http://ajs.sagepub.com/content/18/3/292.abstract

See this link. "Accelerated rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction" by a chap called Shelbourne in 1990. Amoungst ACL surgeons, myself included, this is the bible

- sports-specific cutting exercise and a first team game at around 6 months, is the ultimate ending

that article has been cited (referenced) by other experts 764 times in the press (i.e. it's that seminal)

[Dift]

Generally recovery is as good as the op is and post op physio.

6 months is in reality as quick as is possible (safely).

I was flying along with mine following a programme similar to that linked above, but blew it when I went snorkling in the Maldives 2 months after the op (stupid flippers). I was gutted.

It took me a further 3 months to get back to that point, and a further 6/7 months till I was playing football again.

Good luck with the op, I'm sure it will be fine

Are you using the same surgeon? Were you happy with it last time? I shopped around for my surgeon who came highly recommended.

Edited by Dift on Thursday 27th January 20:43

[Maxf]

Thanks guys. I'll definitely check out that link.

I am using the same surgeon - who seems to be well thought of. The op last time was fine and the new ACL is strong. I am still struggling to get the muscle back which wasted away (I had almost 5 months of not walking properly/training before operation number 1). This time I'm only a month from injury, so the muscle is still there.

In terms of the rehab, its the most frustrating thing I've had to do (physically).