Should return to sport be delayed until 2 years?

In this review, we present evidence in the literature that athletes achieve baseline joint health and function approximately 2 years after ACLR. We postulate that delay in returning to sports for nearly 2 years will significantly reduce the incidence of second ACL injuries.

Can you play sports 6 months after ACL surgery?

In one study, 49 athletes were tested between 5-11 months after ACL reconstruction — only 14.3% passed the return to sport criterion within 6 months.

What is the typical timeline for return to limited sports specific activities after an ACL repair?

A widely accepted guideline in the orthopedic community is that return to full sports competition should not be permitted until six months after an ACL reconstruction; however, a range between 4.1 to 8.1 months for return to sports has been reported.

What happens at 6 months after ACL surgery?

At 6 months post-op, you’re still probably learning proper motor control for vital movements like cutting or lateral shuffling. This means you actually aren’t yet ready to get back out onto the field, which brings up an important point about this first RTS: you’re not going to pass it.

How long does it take to return to sports after ACL surgery?

Following an ACL injury, it is estimated that athletes should be able to return to sport within nine months of surgery.

How can I speed up my ACL recovery?

5 Ways to Help Speed Up ACL Surgery Recovery

1. Decreased pain. Cold therapy is a long-standing method of reducing pain after surgery.
2. Less swelling (edema) Your doctor probably talked to you about post-op edema and swelling, side effects of surgery.
3. Increased lymphatic drainage.
4. Stimulated tissue healing.
5. Lower narcotic use.

Will my knee ever be the same after ACL surgery?

Long-term results after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery aren’t always perfect. But for the majority of patients, the outcome is favorable and patients are happy with the results. In this study, the authors take a look at knee joint range-of-motion 10 to 14 years after ACL reconstruction.

What is the success rate of ACL surgery?

ACL reconstruction surgery has a success rate of 80-90%. However, that leaves an unacceptable number of patients that have unsatisfactory results. Eight percent of these poor results are thought to be due to knee instability or re-rupture of the ACL graft.

Do and don’ts after ACL reconstruction?

The Do’s and Don’ts After ACL Surgery

• Do: Keep your knee straight!
• Don’t: Put weight on your new knee.
• Do: Wear your knee brace!
• Don’t: Walk, swim, cycle, bend and extend your knee, etc.
• Do: Physical therapy.
• Do: Go to your scheduled follow-ups with your knee surgeon.

Why is my knee still swollen 5 months after ACL surgery?

Swelling is a normal part of the healing process. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, many people experience moderate to severe swelling in the first few days or weeks after surgery and mild to moderate swelling for 3 to 6 months after surgery.

Can I run 7 months after ACL surgery?

Final verdict: Return to sport after ACL reconstruction should occur after passing all return to sport testing AND greater than 9 months following surgery. For some, this means return is delayed well beyond 9 months as they work to meet objective criteria for return to sport.

Is your knee weaker after ACL surgery?

When an ACL is not repaired, the knee joint will become unstable. This is typically experienced as buckling or a general sensation of the knee giving out. While this may not be an issue for some individuals, others may find it lowers their quality of life.