Tips for Preparing for ACL Reconstruction Surgery

Have you decided to have ACL reconstruction surgery? Are you struggling to deal with an injured anterior cruciate ligament in your knee?

Having torn your ACL you should at first have been recommended a specialised physiotherapist led ACL rehabilitation program. Many ACL tears can be treated successfully this way. If you have completed an ACL rehab program and your knee is still causing you problems such as giving way, then, you may need to consider surgery. Most ACL reconstruction surgery will be carried out arthroscopically. This means that your surgeon will make small incisions, (about 1 cm) in order to insert a small-sized camera (arthroscope) and surgical instruments into your knee to help reconstruct your ligament. This is much less invasive than opening up the knee completely, it is also less risky and speeds up your to recovery.

Discuss and Understand Your Diagnosis

 If you have been recommended ACL reconstruction surgery, we recommend that you go over your diagnosis and your treatment options with your surgeon prior to your actual surgery. They will be able to recommend what you need to do to be best prepared and also inform you of any other available treatment options.

At this point, you will be able to ask any questions you need to ask relating to the diagnosis and surgery.

Stay Strong and Healthy Before Surgery

It’s more than likely there are some activities you will be able to continue to do even after you’ve injured your knee to help you stay in great physical condition prior to your surgery.

Make sure to double check with your doctor, knee surgeon or consultant, but you should be able to swim or ride a bike without causing more damage to your knee.

Completing a personalised ACL rehab program, specially designed by one of our recognised physiotherapists, before surgery is advisable. The stronger you are before surgery the easier it will be to recover afterward.

 At the same time, make sure you’re clear about what you can’t do safely so that you do not damage yourself even more prior to your ACL reconstruction.

Prepare for Life After Surgery

There are several ways you can prepare yourself for life after your surgery to make things a little easier for yourself.

This may mean simple things like learning how to use crutches beforehand. Getting ice packs or cryotherapy devices organised and delivered. Making sure you have someone around to help at home. If you have pets consider getting someone to look after them while you recover for the first week or two.

Some surgeons advise patients to familiarise themselves with using crutches in the weeks prior to surgery. It can be easy to fall or stumble with crutches if you aren’t used to them and if you do have a mishap, you can potentially put yourself at risk of further injury and affect your recovery.

Tell your surgeon if you’ve had an Infection and Illness

If you catch a cold or some other infection in the days leading up to your ACL surgery, tell your surgeon right away. It may be a good idea to delay the operation until you’re completely recovered.

Operating on an ill or infected patient can drastically increase the chances of complications.

Speak to Your ACL Reconstruction Manchester Experts Today

If you have had problems with your ACL and think you may need ACL reconstruction surgery, then Manchester knee specialist, Mr. Gareth Stables is here to help , speak to the team at MY Knee Doc today.

We can help you through every stage of the process and suggest several different treatments both surgical and non surgical.