ACL surgery is a procedure to replace a torn ligament in the knee, specifically the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). It’s usually performed as outpatient surgery, where the torn ACL is replaced with a donor ligament.
Within this blog, we will cover tips on how to prepare for ACL reconstruction surgery and what to expect during the recovery process following surgery. We will also cover frequently asked questions around returning to sports, and everyday activities.
Preparing for ACL Reconstruction Surgery
In preparation for ACL surgery, it is likely that your surgeon will assess your knee to ensure any swelling has gone down following the injury and you have the full movement and strength back in your knee before proceeding with the surgery.
Read more about how to prepare for surgery and important information regarding your stay here.
How Long Does ACL Reconstruction Surgery Take?
The surgery is usually carried out under general anaesthetic or a spinal anaesthetic and typically takes around an hour to two hours, read more about what the operation involves here.
What to Expect After ACL Reconstruction Surgery?
You may be able to go home the same day as your surgery or it may be recommended to stay overnight. After your surgery your surgeon will advise you on a recovery programme, and you’ll likely be referred to a physiotherapist to help you with movement and exercises. These we’ll be designed to help you start moving and bending your knee and eventually return to walking normally. ACL replacement surgery recovery time will depend on each individual however, we have broken up what to expect from initially after the surgery to 6 months and beyond.
First few weeks
- Waking up from anaesthesia: You may experience dizziness or feel nauseous for a few hours, it will depend on the type on anaesthetic you have received. For more information post operation including a checklist of things which will indicate when you will be ready to go home read here.
- Pain and swelling: Expect pain and swelling around the knee following your surgery. You will likely be prescribed pain medications for the first few days to control discomfort. You’ll need to keep your leg raised on a cushion when sitting or lying in bed, try and keep your leg raised as much as you can for the first few days.
- Bandages and dressing: Your operated knee will be bandaged, a brace or splint may be used to protect it. After surgery, keep the wound clean and dry, the dressing is usually removed the day after surgery.
First few weeks
- Movement and mobility: Initially you’ll only be able to walk with crutches for the first couple of weeks. How quickly you can return to work following knee surgery depends on what job you have.
- Managing pain and swelling: You might need an ice pack or similar to help relieve swelling. You may need to continue with pain medications to manage discomfort.
- Physical Therapy: Most people will discontinue to use crutches 2 weeks after surgery but this will depend on the individual. You are recommended to carry out any exercises are recommended to help with your rehabilitation journey.
6 weeks – 3 months
- Managing pain and swelling: After the first few weeks, the pain and swelling should have subsided, and you may be able to move around more
- Physical Therapy: You should be able to start walking without your crutches by this point, and after a few months you’ll be able to take up light exercise and activities that don’t put too much pressure on your knee, such as swimming.
- Driving: Depending on the advice of your physiotherapist or GP, you may be able start driving again by now, but this will depend on how comfortable you are putting weight on your knee.
3-6 months and beyond
- Physical Therapy: Once you pass the 6-month mark, you’ll likely be back to normal and able to walk and play sports as before. You might not feel completely confident doing higher impact activities just yet, and you might need a few months more before you feel 100% again. Sometimes people can feel frustrated and return to sports too early however this can result in reinjury, always seek advice from your physiotherapy professional.
- Strength and stability: Full strength and stability of your knee will improve gradually over time during your rehabilitation.
How Long After ACL Surgery Can You Return to Work?
It all depends on what your job involves, if you work from home or have an office job, you may be able to return to work after the first few weeks, but if you have to stand a lot or doing manual labour, it could be several months before you can go back.
Factors Affecting Recovery From ACL Surgery
Recovery from ACL surgery can vary significantly depending on several key factors. Here are the primary factors that affect recovery:
Age
Generally, younger patients recover more quickly due to faster tissue healing and better physical conditioning. It may take longer for older individuals to recover due to slower healing times and pre-existing conditions like arthritis.
Health
A patient's general fitness level, body weight, and any underlying health conditions (such as diabetes or smoking habits) can affect recovery. Healthier patients tend to heal faster.
Commitment to Rehab
Recovery is highly dependent on adherence to physical therapy. Patients who follow their rehabilitation protocol closely, including doing prescribed exercises at home, tend to recover faster and regain knee function more effectively.
Returning to activities too soon
Gradually increasing the intensity of rehabilitation exercises according to the plan is crucial. Following advice from your healthcare professional on returning to activities and sports is essential, returning too soon can delay recovery or cause a reinjury.
Potential Complications of ACL Surgery
ACL reconstruction is a surgical operation and therefore carries the general risks of surgery including: excessive bleeding, wound infection, developing a blood clot or, an unexpected reaction to the anaesthetic.
Read more information here about potential complications of ACL surgery here.
ACL Surgery at Ramsay Health Care
You can find out more about ACL reconstruction surgery at your nearest Ramsay hospital, or please get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss your options or make an appointment.