Beware The Dreaded ACL Tear

Die-hard sports fans fear the dreaded ACL injury. An ACL sprain means a few games missed. An ACL tear? There goes the season. So what’s an ACL injury? Above all, how long after ACL reconstruction can patients walk again?

3 Things to Know Before Your FESS surgery

Breaking down the ACL

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of 4 ligaments connecting the kneecap to the thigh and shin bones. The ACL and PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) are on the inside of the knee joint. The ligaments allow back and forth motion, some twisting, and stability. ACL tears cause immense pain and significantly reduce mobility.

How bad is the tear, doc?

ACL injuries are fairly common with 200,000 surgeries in the US yearly. The degree of damage determines if ACL reconstruction is necessary. A grade 1 sprain may need rest and physical therapy. In contrast, a grade 2 or grade 3 tear may require surgery or reconstruction.

The surprising timeline to walking again

ACL surgery is an outpatient procedure, provided there are no complications. Surprisingly, patients can walk 1-2 days after surgery. But there’s a catch. Patients can only walk a few minutes daily. For the first 2 weeks, standing and walking for a few minutes reduces swelling and helps regain muscle strength and flexibility. Of course, moving happens with the help of crutches. Walking is a part of the recovery program created by the orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist.

Walking unassisted and the timeline for recovery

The full recovery timeline is dependent on several factors, from the extent of the injury, age, and weight, to the degree of aftercare. Patients walk unassisted within 2-4 weeks, but for short periods. After 10-12 weeks, expect brisk walking, light jogging, and even plyometric exercise. Full recovery on ACL reconstruction is 6-12 months, or more with physical therapy.

Get back on your feet in no time

An ACL reconstruction is a simple procedure with long-term recovery. On the bright side, walking again, assisted or unassisted, happens in a short time frame. Following the exercise and recovery regimen of the medical team is the key to a successful ACL recovery.

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“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”

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“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”

“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”

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“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”

“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”

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“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”

“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”

“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”

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“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”

“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”

“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”

“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”

“All staff were wonderful.”

“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”

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