Damaged my Right ACL, MCL, and Meniscus...with a bent lock knee

In May 08' I blew out my right ACL, MCL, Meniscus, and locked it (bent). Dec 1st I finally had an Arthroscopic Debridgement and a Medial Meniscotomy (nothing done to the ACL and MCL).

They sent me home with an after care pamphlet and said to return in a week. I felt better with 4 days, although it's still swollen bent...

Is it ok for me to be walking around so soon and was it necessary not repair the ACL and MCL just to do it in another 4-5 months. I also work as a sport instructor and they won't take me back until am 100%...when is that????

OH YA...
The pamphlet says that I can:
*Check with my Surgeon when to drive
*Leg elevation as much as possible
*Use walking aid(s) for balance
*May put full weight on leg operated if tolerated

What to do, what to do?????

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Damaged my Right ACL, MCL, and Meniscus...with a bent lock knee

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Dec 09, 2008
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after surgery
by: Bart - SII

Many patients are sent home after this type of surgery without any crutches at all. Weight bearing should be to tolerance, as your pamphlet says - so, if you can walk around comfortably, without significantly increasing your pain or swelling - go for it. They didn't repair anything inside, so there is nothing to protect with being non-weight bearing. With that said, it is a good idea to limit your activities a bit over the first 7-10 days because you will increase your swelling and slow things down. Keeping it elevated and iced down will help with that.

It is hard to say why they didn't repair the ACL at the same time as the meniscectomy, but that is likely a question for your surgeon.

Give it time and things should get better. I would also recommend some rehabilitation to help speed things along.

Bart