Acl Repair Surgery Time
- ACL reconstruction surgery uses a graft to replace the ligament. The most common grafts are autografts using part of your own body, such as the tendon of the kneecap (patellar tendon) or one of the hamstring tendons. Sometimes the quadriceps tendon from above the kneecap is used. Another choice is allograft tissue, which is taken from a deceased donor.
- Repair surgery typically is used only in the case of an avulsion fracture (a separation of the ligament and a piece of the bone from the rest of the bone). In this case, the bone fragment connected to the ACL is reattached to the bone.
Zero to Two Weeks After ACL Surgery
You may need someone to help you when you first go home from ACL surgery and expect to be out of work a few days to a few weeks, depending on how physically demanding your job is.
For the first couple weeks after surgery you will need to rest and care for the incision site.
- Prop your leg — at the calf or ankle — on a couple pillows four to six times a day. This helps reduce swelling.
- Keep the bandages on your knee clean and dry.
Move Around: Two to Four Weeks After ACL Surgery
About two weeks after surgery, you will be able to start putting some weight on your knee. Your doctor will probably fit you for a knee brace to wear for a few weeks.
You will also begin physical therapy between two and four weeks after surgery.
Rehabilitation: Two to Six Months After ACL Surgery
Rehabilitation is a vital part of your ACL recovery and is essential to getting back to regular physical activity. Your program can last anywhere from two months to six months or longer. Your doctor will help you find a program that is suited to your recovery goals.
Physical therapy programs include basic programs to help you regain strength and stability, injury-specific programs, or sport-specific programs.