Question 1

can you please describe meniscus repair and acl surgery recovery timeline?

Accepted Answer

In due time...: I have my patients wear a brace until 6-9 weeks postop. While many patients are able to put partial weight on the leg w/ the aid of crutches, it is not unusual for them to feel weakness/ pain @ 4 wks that prevent them from fully walking on their own. You should discuss specifics with your physical therapist/ surgeon as each protocol varies slightly.

Question 2

im 45, complete tear in my acl partial tear in my mcl and meniscus, waiting for surgery , to know what is the recovery time after surgery n do i need ?

Accepted Answer

Varies: The recovery time for a standard ACL is usually 6-12 months, however, that will vary based on physical demand, overall general health, and fitness goals. Speak to your surgeon about this. S/he will have more insight in providing you personalized care.

Question 3

acl tear vs.a meniscus tear which is worse ? which is worse an acl tear or a meniscus tear ? what is the difference in recovery time after surgery and pain after ?

Accepted Answer

It : It is difficult to say which is "worse."  it depends on what you mean by it.  An acl tear can cause buckling of the knee on stairs or during side-to-side action in athletics.  A meniscal tear can cause catching and locking of the knee.  Both can be painful.  Both can predispose the knee to later arthritis.

If you're over 60, a meniscal tear can be a normal part of aging.  On the other hand, some people can use their muscles to compensate for an acl tear.

What we do know it that they are worse in combination.  The instability from the acl tear can cause more damage to the torn meniscus and accelerate wear in the knee.

Acl reconstruction usually has a prolonged recovery period with intense physical therapy to prevent a stiff knee.  Meniscal tear surgery usually has a less intense recovery period.  Most adults have to have the loose, torn portions removed.  The recovery afterwards is based on pain and swelling.  However, in young athletes, who can have meniscal repairs, the recovery may be similar to acl reconstruction.

Question 4

had 2 acl/meniscus surgeries. played soccer for first time after 8.5 month recovery. pain on top of fibula when i planted foot. no pain with squatting?

Accepted Answer

Hard to say: Many possibilities: lateral collateral ligament, posterolateral corner, lateral hamstrings all in that general area.  I would make sure your surgeon is aware.  May just be part of a soreness as you return to high level in that lateral hamstring, but wise to be checked to make sure it is not a problem.

Question 5

how long does acl and meniscus surgery take? how long is recovery?

Accepted Answer

See below : Surgery usually takes 45-90 minutes. Full recovery usually 9-12 months.

Question 6

what can i do to speed up recovery from acl and meniscus surgery?

Accepted Answer

Simple steps: Don't over-do it.  Follow your doctor's directions.  Use pain medication, anti-inflammatory medication (example: advil), keep leg elevated, use ice as needed for swelling. Be patient!

Question 7

5 wks into recovery of acl/meniscus tear surgery, i am still taking pain medicine.  is this normal?

Accepted Answer

Common, but: It's good that you are thinking ahead about how to handle long-term pain control w/out risk of addiction and other medical damage from over-use of opiates, etc. Discuss plans for pain management w/ the surgeon and/or your PCP. Consider your own search if they seem less helpful than you'd hope. Health psychologists can teach hypnosis and other techniques. Other possibilities too.

Question 8

how long is recovery from arthroscopic acl/meniscus surgery? i do not drive, live alone. if i don't have it done, what are longterm consequences?

Accepted Answer

Much time: The recovery from an ACL surgery may take up to six months depending the type of repair and if there is a meniscal repair vs. partial resection.  The operation may take up to 1.5 hours depending upon pathology.  Post operatively aggressive physical therapy is often needed to get one back to normal.  If one opts not to have the surgery and  knee is unstable, arthritis will set in.

Question 9

acl and meniscus reconstruction surgery done. what is the rehabilitation period for recovery?

Accepted Answer

6-12 mos: Acl: generally speaking.  12 wks for straight line jogging, 6 mos for pivoting activity.  12 mos for full recovery.  Maybe a bit longer if allograft used.

Meniscus:  most meniscal surgeries are a meniscectomy rather than a repair.  Meniscectomy recovery is about 1-2 months depending upon other factors.
Meniscal healing after a repair is not a guarantee.  It takes 6-12 months for full healing.

Question 10

what is the normal recovery length for a meniscus/acl knee reconstruction surgery?

Accepted Answer

Varies: Each ortho has their own protocol. By the end of 1 yr. U will not improve much anymore.

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Doctor answers about:

Acl and meniscus surgery recovery timeline

A member asked:

Can you please describe meniscus repair and acl surgery recovery timeline?

A member asked:

Im 45, complete tear in my acl partial tear in my mcl and meniscus, waiting for surgery , to know what is the recovery time after surgery n do i need ?

A member asked:

Acl tear vs.a meniscus tear which is worse ? which is worse an acl tear or a meniscus tear ? what is the difference in recovery time after surgery and pain after ?

A member asked:

Had 2 acl/meniscus surgeries. played soccer for first time after 8.5 month recovery. pain on top of fibula when i planted foot. no pain with squatting?

A member asked:

How long does acl and meniscus surgery take? how long is recovery?

A member asked:

What can i do to speed up recovery from acl and meniscus surgery?

A member asked:

5 wks into recovery of acl/meniscus tear surgery, i am still taking pain medicine. is this normal?

A member asked:

How long is recovery from arthroscopic acl/meniscus surgery? i do not drive, live alone. if i don't have it done, what are longterm consequences?

A member asked:

Acl and meniscus reconstruction surgery done. what is the rehabilitation period for recovery?

A member asked:

What is the normal recovery length for a meniscus/acl knee reconstruction surgery?

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