ACL reconstruction/hamstring graft recovery

(Bolingbrook, IL)

I am 5 weeks post ACL Hamstring reconstruction surgery. Prior to last week, my flexion and extension was going well, almost mirroring the uninjured leg. I am now having difficulty straightening the leg, experiencing pain in the knee. The only way I can straighten is to apply downward pressure over time, due to the pain.

I can still bend the knee to 135 degrees without any pain. I am wondering if this is a normal side effect in ACL hamstring graft recoveries or if did something to the knee during rehab?

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ACL reconstruction/hamstring graft recovery

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Sep 07, 2008
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where does it hurt
by: Bart - SII

when you try to straighten your knee, where does it hurt? Front, back, sides, etc. The location of your pain is generally an indicator of what tissues are restricting your motion.

Bart

Sep 09, 2008
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range of motion
by: Allie

your range of motion is important, obviously you know this though. If you are still in P.T., do everything they tell you to for extension excercises. If you are not, try finding a TheraBand, or a towel, wrap it behind the ball of your foot while sitting legs-out on the ground, slowly flex and extend the knee. Also you can try laying flat on your stomach on a bed, with your knee cap on the edge of the bed- gravity straightens out the leg.
Always, ALWAYS remember to relax the leg when working on your range of motion- easier said than done. take deep breaths and make slow movements. i've had many ACL reconstructions, the first one was with the hamstring, the rest were allographs. if you have the misfortune of another surgery, i would recommend the allograph. but that is not to say the hamstring method is bad or wrong, it just takes more time to get your hamstring back to its normal flexibility. i hope this helps at all, good luck!

May 06, 2009
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The possibility of ACL Torn again after operation
by: iwong

The ACL reconstruct operation has been conducted 8 weeks ago. I am worried about whether the new ACL will be torn again easily. If it is torn, what are the symptom?

Up to now, I can walk without stick assistance. However, it seems that the injuried leg does not have enough power to walk, so the walking is not smooth. Is it normal?

May 06, 2009
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the possibility of new ACL torn or loose after operation
by: iwong

The ACL reconstruct operation has been conducted 8 weeks ago. I am worried about whether the new ACL will be torn again or loose easily. If it is torn, what are the symptom?

Up to now, I can walk without stick assistance. However, it seems that the injuried leg does not have enough power to walk, so the walking is not smooth. Is it normal?