Question 1

had acl reconstruction on 1/8/2016 using a patellar tendon graft. my question is- is it normal to lift your leg with tendon when muscles don't work?

Accepted Answer

No: The answer is "No" because tendons don't contract... meaning they don't move on their own. The muscles contract. To move against gravity, such as lifting a leg, at least one muscle has to move. Otherwise, nothing happens. To move with gravity, such as letting a leg drop down, whatever muscles that were holding the leg up just have to relax or stop contracting... and the leg will drop.

Question 2

it hurts for me to kneel 3 months after patella tendon acl reconstruction, what's going one?

Accepted Answer

Common problem: Anterior (front) knee pain is very common after an acl reconstruction, especially after a patellar tendon autograft.  Kneeling may always be a problem.  Keep doing your rehab.  I would expect some improvement with time.

Question 3

i had acl reconstruction both knees- 2005 left and 2009 right. both are torn again 100%. doctor suggests new surgeries by taking tendons from patella.

Accepted Answer

ACL tears: Its unfortunate that both are once again torn. You need the ACL for joint stability otherwise you will have to wear a knee stabilizer. I think repeat surgery is a reasonable option. You will have to be extremely careful once this is done.

Question 4

had acl reconstruction and meniscus removal on left knee over 25 years ago.  right knee is aching in patella tendon area constantly.  ?

Accepted Answer

Osteoarthritis: While there are several possible causes, meniscectomy at an early age is the most likely cause of a subsequent osteoarthritis. See an orthopedist. The knee should be x rayed and an MRI may also be needed.

Question 5

for athlete, is a patellar graft or a hamstring graft better for an acl reconstruction?

Accepted Answer

Hamstring: Quicker recovery.  Expected full regaining of hamstring strength at 1 year postop.  No risk of fractures.

Patellar tendon grafts result in only 80% regaining of quad strength longterm, and anterior knee pain complaints are high long term.  Patella fracture risk postop due to graft defect.

Question 6

for a non-competitive athlete, is a patellar graft or a hamstring graft most effective for an acl reconstruction?

Accepted Answer

Acl tear: I would recommed a hamstring graft although the patella graft would work well too. The hamstring graft can be removed through a cosmetically nicer incision and there is probably less postop pain than a patella graft.  I assume your question was in regards to autografts and not allografts?

Question 7

what is the difference between the patellar tendon and an acl?

Accepted Answer

Ones a ligament: The acl is an importan ligament (ligaments connect bone to bone), that restrains anterior or forward translation of the tibia.  The patellar tendon is a tendon (tendons connect muscle to bone). They serve very different functions. The central third of the patellar tendon is frequently used to reconstruct a torn acl.

Question 8

how long do general knee sprains take to heal?  i was told that the nothing isn't torn, it's only stretched . it could be my acl or my patellar tendon

Accepted Answer

Usually  6 weeks: Ligament injury is graded by the amount of stretch or tearing and the resulting instability. Treatment varies based on injury  from minimal to pt with poss brace to surgery.

Question 9

is the patellar tendon used in reconstructing the acl?

Accepted Answer

It can be: The traditional gold standard acl reconstruction uses a patella tendon along with some bone on both sides. There are alternatives aug as hamstring tendon and donor cadaver grafts that are now used more commonly. There are studies that claim each is better than another.

Question 10

hi ,i had a acl surgery patellar tendon (autograft) on mar26 which is closely 4months by now.now i am noticing some swelling on the right knee.

Accepted Answer

Reevaluation: Swelling can occur especially after a physically taxing day.  If it does not improve, recommend notifying your orthopedic surgeon for followup visit.  NSAIDs may be taken to help with reducing swelling

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Doctor answers about:

Acl repair patellar tendon vs hamstring

A member asked:

Had acl reconstruction on 1/8/2016 using a patellar tendon graft. my question is- is it normal to lift your leg with tendon when muscles don't work?

A member asked:

It hurts for me to kneel 3 months after patella tendon acl reconstruction, what's going one?

A member asked:

I had acl reconstruction both knees- 2005 left and 2009 right. both are torn again 100%. doctor suggests new surgeries by taking tendons from patella.

A member asked:

Had acl reconstruction and meniscus removal on left knee over 25 years ago. right knee is aching in patella tendon area constantly. ?

A member asked:

For athlete, is a patellar graft or a hamstring graft better for an acl reconstruction?

A member asked:

For a non-competitive athlete, is a patellar graft or a hamstring graft most effective for an acl reconstruction?

A member asked:

What is the difference between the patellar tendon and an acl?

A member asked:

How long do general knee sprains take to heal? i was told that the nothing isn't torn, it's only stretched . it could be my acl or my patellar tendon

A member asked:

Is the patellar tendon used in reconstructing the acl?

A member asked:

Hi ,i had a acl surgery patellar tendon (autograft) on mar26 which is closely 4months by now.now i am noticing some swelling on the right knee.

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