FAQs Before ACL Repair Surgery
by Sasha Meyer
If you tore your ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), there is a good chance your orthopedist will send you for surgery. The ACL does not heal well on its own, and surgery helps restore function. As you prepare for ACL surgery, you might find you have a few questions, such as the following.
Where will the incision be?
You might be imagining a large incision down your knee. If you know someone who had ACL surgery a decade or so ago, this might be the sort of scar they have. However, most ACL surgeries these days are performed arthroscopically through small incisions. Chances are, you'll just have two or three small incisions, about an inch long or less, in your knee after surgery. They will be on the front of your knee and perhaps to the outside, as that is where the ACL is located.
Do you need an ice machine for recovery?
Your doctor may be recommending that you buy an ice machine to keep your knee cool during recovery. These machines are really nice to have as they ice your knee continually and prevent the need for bulky ice packs. Icing your knee post-surgery will be really important for the recovery process. However, an ice machine is not absolutely essential. You can simply use flexible ice packs, bags of ice, or frozen veggies if preferred.
How long will you have to stay at the hospital?
Probably not long at all! Most ACL surgeries are done as outpatient procedures. Once you are awake from the surgery, your doctor will observe you for an hour or two to make sure you're doing okay. Then, you can return home to recover. You'll want a friend or family member to stay with you, of course. You will likely have to return to the doctor for a checkup a day or two post-surgery.
When does physical therapy start?
Physical therapy is really important after ACL surgery since it helps restore the tension in the repaired ligament. It generally starts a few days after surgery. It will be slow and easy at first, but these early appointments are important to restore mobility so you can get back on your feet again.
Hopefully, the answers to these questions have helped you feel more confident going in for ACL surgery. Although it is a surgery, it is a rather common procedure and one that doctors perform often.
Talk to your doctor to learn more about ACL surgery.
Share
About Me
It wasn't until three of my close family members were diagnosed with cancer that I started taking my personal health seriously. Between the heart problems, the diabetes and now the cancer that runs strong in my family, I know that I don't have much of a future to look forward to unless I start taking care of myself today. How do you do your best to stay healthy? What kind of diet should you follow? How much exercise do you really need? How often should you see a doctor? This blog will help you find the answers to these and many more questions about your health.