ACL Surgery
What Are My Options for ACL Surgery?
ACL reconstruction replaces a torn ACL with a tissue graft to restore stability to the knee. The appropriate graft and surgical approach depend on factors such as your age, activity level, injury pattern, associated injuries, and goals for returning to sports or other activities.
Dr. Hergan performs ACL reconstruction and has rehabilitation protocols that include patellar tendon, hamstring, and other graft options depending on the individual patient. During reconstruction, the graft is positioned through tunnels created in the femur and tibia and secured so that it can heal into the bone.
What Is Recovery Like After ACL Surgery?
Rehabilitation begins soon after ACL reconstruction and focuses on restoring knee motion, reducing swelling, rebuilding strength, and gradually improving balance and function.
During the first several weeks, the emphasis is on protecting the graft, restoring knee extension and flexion, developing a normal walking pattern, and beginning strengthening exercises. As recovery progresses, rehabilitation advances to more demanding strengthening, running, agility exercises, cutting drills, and sport-specific training.
Recovery is individualized. Returning to sports should be based on strength, range of motion, stability, functional testing, and your surgeon's assessment rather than simply the amount of time since surgery.
When Can I Return to My Sport or Work After ACL Surgery?
Return to work depends on the physical demands of your job. Someone with a primarily seated job may be able to return sooner than someone whose work requires heavy lifting, climbing, running, or pivoting.
Return to sports takes longer and should occur only after appropriate rehabilitation and clearance. Dr. Hergan's patient information advises avoiding competitive sports for approximately 5 to 6 months to allow the graft to incorporate and the knee to regain strength and function. His rehabilitation protocol progresses from early strengthening to running, agility, cutting, and sport-specific activities as the patient meets appropriate milestones.
The exact timeline varies by patient, sport, graft type, associated injuries, and recovery progress. Your rehabilitation team and Dr. Hergan will determine when you are ready to return to specific work and athletic activities.
