Anticipate the after effects of ACL surgery.

ACL reconstruction surgeries are common orthopedic procedures since the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most commonly injured, especially among athletes. It has a higher success rate since it is usually performed arthroscopically. This is a less invasive procedure where a camera-like device and instruments are inserted through small incisions/cuts to place the graft tendon.

ACL reconstruction surgery is a procedure that involves the surgical removal of the torn or damaged ACL and its replacement with a new ligament. This new ligament is known as a ‘graft,’ which is either taken from the tissues of your own body (autograft) or a deceased donor (allograft). Partial ACL injuries can usually be managed with non-surgical treatments; however, surgery is recommended for complete and severe ACL tears.

If you are undergoing ACL surgery, knowing what to expect post the reconstruction procedure can help put your mind at ease and guide you to the right path for successful healing. 

Find out what to expect from your recovery and rehabilitation program after your ACL surgery for better surgical outcomes.

What to Expect After ACL Surgery?

ACL surgery is generally an outpatient procedure requiring fewer days of hospital stay. ACL surgery is performed arthroscopically (minimally invasive approach), which causes less scarring and pain than traditional open surgery. It lasts around an hour and the recovery after ACL surgery takes 3 to 6 months. However, athletes can return to sports after 12 months. Here is what you can expect after ACL surgery.

• Immediately after the surgery
  • Pain 
    • You may experience pain immediately after the effect of anesthesia wears off.
    • You will be given medications prescribed by your surgeon for pain relief and your vitals will be monitored by the nurse.
  • Swelling
    • Your operated knee may feel heavy due to the swelling caused by the pooling of blood and other fluids around the surgical site. Elevating the leg will help reduce the swelling.
  • Walking the same day with crutches
    • Your physical therapist (PT) will help you walk on the same day of your surgery with the help of crutches. Crutches help reduce pressure on the operated knee.
    • You will be given a knee brace to protect your operated knee from re-injury.

 

• Your PT’s instructions about exercises
  • You will be taught knee strengthening, straightening (extension), and knee bending (flexion) exercises.
  • These exercises must be followed throughout your recovery period as guided by the physical therapist.
• At Home after discharge
  • 1-week post surgery- You may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort doe a few days.
    • Wound care 
      • Keep your dressing clean, and change it as advised.
      • Avoid soaking the dressing. 
      • Avoid tub bathing until you are allowed by your surgeon.
      • Watch out for any bleeding or signs of infections (drainage of pus).
    • RICE therapy
      • Resting after surgery promotes faster healing and reduces swelling.
      • Ice packs should be applied to the repaired knee once every two hours, every session being 20 minutes-long..
      • Compression wraps or an elastic bandage  should be placed to reduce the swelling
      • Elevating your leg should be continued. Use 2 to 3 pillows below your calf area to reduce swelling. 
    • Knee brace
      • You need to continue using the knee brace prescribed by your surgeon. It protects your operated knee from re-injury.
      • It also aids in stabilizing your knee joint.

• Sleeping and dietary habits
  • Follow a nutritious diet to accelerate the healing process and regain your lost strength.
  • Sleep is important since your body repairs itself during sleep. You should sleep for 8 to 10 hours daily for a faster recovery.
• 2 to 4 weeks post surgery
  • Stitches are removed
    • The stitches are usually absorbed/dissolved by 3 weeks (if the surgeon has used absorbable sutures). 
    • If staples have been used, you must visit your surgeon for their removal.
  • Resuming daily activities
    • By week 4, you may be able to walk without any walking aids.
    • You will be able to resume your daily routine activities like climbing and going down the stairs, getting up from a chair, etc.
  • Exercises to be followed
    • Stretching 
      • The following exercises help strengthen the quadriceps and hamstring muscles.
        • Quad sets – Lie down on your back, placing a small towel roll behind your knee. Tighten the muscles at the front of your leg, and hold for 5 seconds. Repeat as instructed.

• Calf raises – Simply raise your toes up and down, keeping your legs straight. Do sets of these as instructed.

• Knee extension
  • Heel slides – Lie down with your back flat on the floor. Slowly bend your operated knee and hold it for 5 seconds. Straighten your leg to the normal position again. Repeat as instructed.

• Knee flexion
  • Hamstring curls – Lie on your belly on the floor, and gently bend your operated knee backward. Bring it closer to your buttocks. Hold for 5 seconds and then straighten it. Repeat as instructed.

• Stationary bicycle
  • Using stationary bicycle aids in improving your knee bending (flexion).
  • It improves the range of motion of your knee.
  • Cycle daily as per the advice of your surgeon and physical therapist.

• 6 weeks post surgery
  • Resuming activities
    • You would have gained enough knee stability and range of motion to resume driving.
    • You may also return to work and can perform jobs that do not require any physical strain.
  • Low-impact activities
    • Walk for 15 to 20 minutes every day.
    • Low-impact activities like jogging and swimming can begin around 6 weeks post-surgery.
    • Avoid exercises with twisting or cutting motions as they may  cause your knee to get re-injured.
  • Movable bicycle
    • You may be ready for a transition from a stationary bike towards a movable bicycle during this phase. 
    • This also aids in improving your knee flexion.
• 3 to 6 months
  • You can slowly return to running activities.
  • You should continue with your knee stretching, straightening, and bending exercises.
  • You can start single-leg exercises on the advice of your physical therapist.
• 12 months 
  • You may be recommended to wear your knee brace for up to 1 to 2 years post ACL surgery.
  • Athletes can return to their sports after their surgeon’s and physical therapist’s advice.

Tips For a Speedy Recovery

Recovering after ACL surgery can be long and tedious, however, by following certain tips, you can ensure faster healing as quickly as possible to achieve good outcomes.

• Get proper sleep by adapting to a good position that suits you best with minimal pain and discomfort.
• Eat a nutritious diet that boosts your immune system for faster healing and recovery.
• Avoid using caffeine, alcohol, or excess sugar in your diet to accelerate healing.
• Avoid or limit smoking during your recovery period, as it will delay the healing process.
• Talk to your surgeon and physical therapist about your queries regarding the surgery and rehabilitation.
• Do not miss any appointments with your surgeon or PT.
• Take it slow, and do not be tempted to resume your old activities immediately.

As with any surgery, there are risks associated with ACL reconstruction too. Do not hesitate in consulting your doctor, if you experience bleeding at the surgical site, pain, weakness or stiffness in the knee, poor healing, and/or pre-surgery symptoms not getting fully relieved.

Takeaway

Recovery after ACL surgery can be difficult. It can vary from person to person. The recovery process is categorized according to different timelines. Doing too much too early can do you more harm. Recovery after the surgery usually takes 3 to 6 months. However, returning to your sports activities may take up to 12 months. Follow your surgeon and physical therapist’s instructions about recovery after the ACL reconstruction.

Our team of expert orthopedic surgeons and physiotherapists at Medfin are dedicated to providing you with the best aftercare and rehabilitation program for a better quality of life.

 

Also Read: The Best Orthopaedic Surgeons in Bangalore

                   Cost of ACL repair surgery in Bangalore

                   How To Sleep After ACL Surgery?

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Disclaimer: The content on this site is the copyright of Medfin and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered a substitute for medical and surgical expertise. Results from any treatments or surgeries are subjective to an individual patient and the type of procedure/surgery performed. Please seek professional help regarding any medical concerns. Medfin will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.