ACL injury
Ok I need some help and advice from people if possible. 2 months ago I was playing football and ruptured 90% of my ACL. I had an anthroscopy and they simply trimmed the stump. Obviously there is still 10% of the ACL remaining. However I am unable to twist without pain. I can jog comfortable but only for a short timE. I have had intensicve physio since but still I cannot do much in the way of sport. I cannot jump and land and twist or balance properly on the weak leg. I have to go back to the consultant in 2 months time and I was wanting some advice. Can I get reconstruction surgery even if there is not a complete rupture (like I said I have only ruptured 90%). I play in goals for a ladies football team and I have ambitions to play for Scotland as I have been involved in the past with the squads. Before the injury I would train 4-5 times a week plus matches and I want to get back to this level or as near as possible again.
I think the reconstruction might be my best bet if it is possible. Would I bring it up with my consultant when I see him or wait to see what he said. I was also wondering if I would be on a long waiting list and if anybody can tell me how long I may have to wait. I am also only 21 and a sports coaching university student and I am going into my 3 rd year and really get graded on my demonstrations and my taking part in the activities. I have worked hard at uni to get this far and I want this reconstruction done as soon as possible.
Please help me. The big question I really want answered if nothing else is if I can get this reconstruction even though I still have 10% of my ACL still attatched
4 comments
FrankL
I should have also added that when my friend had the ACL reconstruction surgery done, he was back at work in about 2 weeks. I didn’t mean to suggest that you needed to take 6 to 8 weeks off from school. Good luck anyhow! It sucks to be injured.
FrankL
In the last post the following was written: “I also disagree with the comments made by the previous post. There is no need to take a year off of school for this surgery. I have athletes that return to classes in 2 to 3 days after surgery.”
From what I’ve been told by my Orthopaedic surgeon, it takes 6 to 8 weeks to recover from the ACL reconstruction surgery. From what I’ve read in other forums, the recovery is rather painful. I’m waiting for the results of my MRI scan. My surgeon believes I’ve completely torn my ACL. My physiotherapist feels that my ACL is intact. They used the same manual tests to “feel” the resistance in the joint. I suppose it’s a bit subjective since, they compare it to the good knee. My good knee has a fair bit of play in it also. I am hoping that my ACL is intact! The radiologist’s report will give the percent remaining and an assessment of a stable ACL or unstable ACL. Hope that helps.
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ATsoccergirl
An ACL reconstruction is definitly indicated. You basically have no ACL, 10% is not functional, and ideally you should have been treated as if you had a complete rupture. I would suggest doing the ACLR asap. If you want the fastest recovery, I would highly suggest going with a contralateral patellar tendon graft, if you surgeon will do it. This involves taking the graft from the uninjured leg. There is very little loss of ROM or strength, and you can often return to sports a month sooner.
I also disagree with the comments made by the previous post. There is no need to take a year off of school for this surgery. I have athletes that return to classes in 2 to 3 days after surgery. If you have a summer break, that would be the ideal time to have the surgery done so that you would be able to really concentrate on the rehab process without worrying about school
knee_fella
Sorry I dont’t know about the operation concerning a partial rupture but I went through an acl reconstruction (full tear) op whilst at university and deeply regretted not taking a year out and returning fully fit. The whole procedure can be quite emotional (and painfull) and may not be for the best when you are still studying. Hope this helps in some way.