Firefighter's torn ACL

I'm a 24 year old firefighter and I got hurt at work and was sent to the hospital after hearing the pop and feeling my knee move awkwardly. Because of my stability, they were pretty sure it wasn't an ACL tear both at the hospital and at the doctors the following week. The MRI however shows a rather obvious tear.

They are currently sending me to physical therapy to get my motion back before surgery but I still feel stable and I can walk pretty well on it, 3 weeks later. How long is recovery time for somebody in a job like mine? I am anxious to get back and my doctor told me it could take up to a year before I'm back on full duty again. Anybody have similar experiences in a similar job field?

Comments for
Firefighter's torn ACL

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Oct 09, 2010
Rating

Post op. expectations
by: G

You can pretty much count on at least 4-6 months.
I´ve had 2 acl op´s and depending on the surgeon and the kind of graft it could be more but never less. Go for the patellar graft- it´s stronger and you´ll need it running up stairs carrying equipment and saving lives;) If your in shape you´ll have a better post op. result. My advice- trim down to fighting weight because that is exactly what you are up against. A long fight. The first step after the op.- control swelling-get a cryo cuff!! Second step get that leg to straighten- pillow under heel and leg lifts. Third step get on your feet- without crutches. The quicker you can walk the better- but listen to your body. Good luck!!

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to ACL Surgery Stories