2 weeks post-op, knee feels unstable

by Casey
(Bothell, wa )

I had ACL reconstruction and a meniscectomy on December 4th 2009, today about two weeks after surgery my knee still feels as unstable as it did prior to surgery, when I try to walk with the crutches it feels like my femur is going to slide down my tibia, like once I set pressure down on the leg it goes down farther than it should, and feels unstable is this normal?

when i try to walk it feels the same as it did before?

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2 weeks post-op, knee feels unstable

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Dec 22, 2009
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unstable feelings
by: Bart - SII

It is normal to feel like your knee is unstable. It isn't because it actually is, but rather because your body doesn't know that the ACL has been fixed. It takes time for the graft to incorporate into the tunnels, and to restore blood supply and proprioception. The graft isn't providing any feedback to the knee to tell your body that it is stable, so it still feels like it did before surgery. Couple that with the fact that your quadriceps are not working properly yet, and you get the feelings of instability.

All of this will improve as you progress through your rehabilitation and start increasing your weightbearing, strength, and walking. It will just take time.

Bart

Sep 25, 2010
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Same problem
by: 17 yo

Hey im 17yo and i had my ACL reconstucted with hamstring tendons 9 days ago now. i was off my pain meds within a day and walking with my brace on without crutches within 4 days. so in the 4-5 day post surgery period i didn't have my brace on, during this time i probably was a little too active for my own good.

After this i lost most of my calf and thigh muscle the swelling went right down aswell.

now it feels unstable if i put weight on my knee without my brace also when i lay down it feels sort of as it did before surgery?

i can fully extend my knee too 0 degrees but have trouble bending it past 45 degrees, i think im just scared something will happen.

does anyone know why this could be happening? hope i haven't undone the good work.

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