ACL Reconstruction

Yes, you can fully weight-bear after surgery but will typically need crutches until you walk normally without a limp. If you have a meniscus repair at the same time, weight-bearing may be limited for up to 6 weeks to protect healing. 

You should avoid driving until you are off strong pain medications, walking without crutches, and have good knee range of motion and muscle control. This is usually around 6 weeks, but may be sooner for left knee surgery with an automatic car. Always check with Dr Free before resuming driving. 

This varies depending on the nature of your work. If you work an office-based job, you may be able to return within 3-4 weeks. For heavy manual jobs, returning to full duties may be up to 3-4 months. Dr Free will assist you in developing a return-to-work plan. 

Running usually begins between 3 to 5 months post-surgery, depending on your strength and rehab progress. Dr Free and your physiotherapist will guide you on the appropriate timing. 

Each sport has specific demands, and as such timeframes for return can vary. In general, return to pivoting sports is anticipated between 9-12 months post-operatively, provided you are meeting rehabilitation goals as expected. Dr Free will discuss your expected return to play with you prior to your surgery. 

Meniscus tears commonly occur with ACL injuries. Meniscus repair is preferred over removal to preserve knee function. Dr Free assesses both menisci during surgery and will repair tears as needed. Rehabilitation may be slower initially to protect the repair, then will progress to standard ACL rehab. 

• Donor site pain - Common initially, and usually improves with time 
• Infection - Rare, often treated with antibiotics; deep infection may require further surgery. 
• Stiffness - Early focus on regaining full knee extension is essential; severe stiffness may require manipulation under anaesthesia. 
• Numbness - Some temporary numbness near incisions is common and usually improves. 
• Difficulty kneeling - More common with patellar tendon grafts due to incision location. 
• Graft re-rupture - Highest risk in the first two years; following rehab protocols reduces this risk. Revision surgery is an option if re-rupture occurs. 
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) / Pulmonary embolism (PE) - though uncommon, seek immediate medical help for symptoms like calf pain/swelling or chest pain/shortness of breath.