should i fix a complete acl tear

by Marny
( B.C.)

I am 48 years old, I injured my ACL about 5 years ago, down hill skiing. I finally had an MRI and it revealed a complete ACL tear. I have been functioning fairly normal for the past 5 years. I have some pain (bearable), I missed a bottom step about a year ago and passed out with the pain, but that is unusual. Now I have to decide if I should have surgery, or, my doctor recommended just wearing a brace. I can't decide what to do, he says I will never be 100 percent, even with the surgery. Any suggestions

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should i fix a complete acl tear

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May 27, 2010
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you still have 60yrs
by: Jack Dely

you still have 60 or so years to live,,,,, living with a brace on for that long would suck. should you opt for surgery yes....at least you will have more options after it is done than if you didnt have it done.... like not passing out after a fall (who says you wont do it again?). overall your quality of life according to your knee would be 100% better

Jun 09, 2010
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Consider fixing it
by: Anonymous

My own ACL injury was 16 years prior to finally getting it repaired. Mine, too, was completely torn. As time went on, the pain seemed to gradually get worse until it hurt up the lateral (outside) of my knee while just standing. I thought my knee was pretty functional, but if I'd slip on a wet floor, for example, it felt like my femur slid down beside my tibia and it was EXTREMELY painful!

I'll admit that the rehab was not fun and I don't want to do it again, but I'm so thankful I did it. I never knew how unstable my knee was until it was repaired!

I'm not an athlete and don't do anything more strenuous than hiking or bike riding, but it has made a world of difference to me.

Please consider the repair.

Dec 06, 2010
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if your car had a flat you would have it fixed
by: Anonymous

so why not fix your flat tire...lol i am 45 i completley tore my acl and my menicus in oct 2009 i had my surgery nov 2009 my doctor recomended allograph from a cadaver for me ,so thats what i had i have 5 barely noticable scars around my right knee its been a year ago since my surgery i was off pain meds 5 days after surgery and when i went for my 1 week check up i walked in without crutches...yes it was painfull. i have aches here and there ....but i have peace of mind knowing my knee is fixed.i thank god for the doctor i had and that my knee was fixable with a little surgery.

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