What should I expect after my ACL surgery?

ACL surgery-what to expect?

• I went to the doctor on Friday and apparently I tore my ACL in June. I will know for sure on Tuesday after my MRI, but the doctor seems pretty convinced. What should I expect from surgery? I am suppose to take a one month hiking trip at the end of June, should I wait until after that to have the surgery?

• Answer:

  Yes, wait until after the hike; it takes about 12 weeks plus PT to recover from ACl surgery. That doesn't count for any additional problems found on the MRI. Meniscus tears ( substance cushioning the bones that create the knee joint ) and the degree of medial or lateral collateral ligament injury (the inside and outside knee ligaments) can lengthen your recovery time also. Make sure you get a good walking brace from a referral from your doctor and try it out on a couple of day hikes to see if it's even possible for you to tolerate your adventure. I've been through it as a 50 y/o in good condition; you're not going to be ready if you have surgery before your trek---but becareful or you could injure it more.