Post ACL Reconstruction Stiffness

by Patrick
(New York)

I had surgery on 12/29/09 to repair a complex bucket handle tear of my medial meniscus. The MRI had shown that the ACL was intact, but when the doctors were performing the meniscus repair, they noticed the ACL was 90% torn.

I had a second surgery in the same knee to reconstruct the ACL using a cadaver achilles tendon on 1/11/10. Both were outpatient procedures and I was sent home in a locked knee brace each time. I began PT on 1/21/10 and was non-weight bearing until 2/8/10. I began walking (with a limp) on 2/19/10.

My major concern right now is my flexion. I'm currently only at 40* actively and 56* passively. That progressed from the prior week of 38* actively and 47 passively. My PT says I'm within the recovery timeline, but everyone else seems to think I'm way behind and I'm starting to worry. I'm 33 years old and go to PT three times a week and began some home excercise about two weeks ago. I saw one of the doctors who did the surgeries 2 days ago and he mentioned a manipulation under anesthesia. I still need to speak to the other doc about this on Wednedsay 3/3, but want other opinions.

Should I continue with the PT or go with the manipulation?
What are the pros/cons of each?

Thanks.