KT's ACL worries

by Kuan Thye
(Malaysia)

i had my acl recon on the 27th of may. to date, it is 16 days post op. my surgeon has been very helpful in giving me a rough guideline on what to expect in the next few weeks. currently, i m still on crutches and that i m not allowed to place weight on my injured right knee. i asked my doctor if i m able to drive in 4 weeks' time. but he said no without highlighting the reason. do u hav any idea y he said so? i m able to straighten my knee and bend up to 60 degrees with ease now. another problem i m facing is that my physiotherapist just do not seem to have sufficient knowledge on my rehab program. she is just purely incompetent. i pay so much for every session of physio and i was practically left alone to do my own stretching and bending exercises, which i can otherwise do at home. do u think it is still necessary to continue going? or should i just follow one of the rehab programs available online and be disciplined enough to guide myself? your advice and help is much appreciated. thanks:)

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KT's ACL worries

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Jun 12, 2009
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worries
by: Bart - SII

Every doctor is different in their protocol for reconstruction rehabilitation. Non-weightbearing after ACL reconstruction is usually due to other things that were repaired in the knee. Most commonly, if the meniscus was repaired it requires 3-6 weeks of non-weightbearing to heal. Other possibilities include articular surface damage/repair as well. Did you have any of these things done in the knee?

I would recommend sticking with the therapy. If you are still NWB due to doctors orders, your rehab is going to be limited at this point - but that will change as you progress, and the guidance of the PT will be of benefit later on. Having someone who understands the process and who can help if things don't go just right is also a benefit. There are online programs, but the early rehab stages are very important to get things started off on the right foot. If you have great concerns, you may look for a different PT who you feel more comfortable with.

Bart

Jun 12, 2009
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Am I doing wrong
by: lloyd

I'm 2 weeks post op, I had an ACL reconstruction and a small bit of meniscus removed. I've been encouraged to put weight on the leg, so much so I'm now operating without crutches in the house. After reading your comment am I doing more harm than good?

Jun 13, 2009
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re:Lloyd
by: Bart - SII

Lloyd, it sounds like you are right on track. The comment previously regarding NWB status after surgery was for a meniscus repair - where they actually stitch the meniscus back together - from what you describe, you had a meniscectomy - where they actually remove the torn portion - Meniscectomies do not require any weight bearing restrictions generally.

Follow your doctors directions and you will do well.

Bart

Jun 14, 2009
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Get a good Physio
by: MacD

The previous comments about weight bearing and meniscus are spot on. I'm 3 weeks post op now and hope to be back walking between weeks 4-6 on a gradual basis. I had a bucket handle meniscus repair which is a sliver of meniscus sown back in to the main section.

It's important for anybody to find and attend a top rate Physio, some of them haven't a clue. You won't get much benefit until the leg has recovered from the initial trauma. Stick to the Range of Motion exercises and gently massage the calf and hamstring muscles at home to reduce stiffness.

This is a serious operation with a long recovery time, it's quite traumatic for busy active people to manage the dependancy and restrictive lifestyle just as much as the physical pain and discomfort.