1. < Bones, Joints & Muscles

Bilateral ACL replacement spacing

Posted by jjohnson240 @jjohnson240, Jan 18 11:42am

So I suffered a bilateral ACL injury that will require reconstruction surgery for both legs. I am a health 28 year old male, my surgeon is recommending a hamstring graft for both knees. He suggested we may be able to stage the surgery as closely as 4 weeks apart, I'm concerned about the effects of that on my recovery and body. I want to be back to sport as soon as possible but haven't heard of anyone having 2 of these replacements this close apart.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bones, Joints & Muscles Support Group.

Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jan 19 6:13pm

@jjohnson240 I can't speak to what the interval should be for you, but I can share my experience.

At 44 I had a traumatic blowout of ACL and MCL. I had an allograft for my ACL (from a cadaver) and an MCL repair; I also had a family & a career. I was very active and in prime shape did my PT twice a day, and it took 6 months to fully recover. Even then, some nerves had not completely regenerated so I had issues with foot placement. As far as stability and PT, I think you could do 4 or 6 or 8 weeks. Just know full recovery takes much longer. The football player who "come back" usually take 4 to 6 months, and their full-time job is recovery - if you work and/or have family responsibilities, plan on longer.
Good luck in your surgery & recovery.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.