Exercises need to be done 4 – 5 times per day: little and often is better than an extensive overload period. Pain, heat and increasing swelling in the knee are potentially bad: Any of these symptoms can mean that exercises are being overdone. This is unlikely to indicate a serious problem, but these symptoms should…
The overall rehabilitation plan emphasises the importance of pre-operative exercises followed post operatively by early control of swelling and regaining full extension (straightening) and flexing of the knee (bending). Working on strength can only start once swelling and range of movement have been controlled. Return to function then follows. Key to Success The key to…
Remember: This is only a guide
The following is a list of “Normal” common events that can occur following surgery: . Swelling: Swelling or “effusion” in the knee is usual until up to three months after surgery. The main aim of the first phase of rehabilitation is to reduce swelling. Difficulty kneeling: After any operation on the front part of the…
Problems can occur. Some are minor but some may need another operation to help. It is clearly important to understand these risks before undergoing surgery. The main risks include: Failure to provide enough stability in the knee to allow return to full sporting activities. Either the ligament does not heal in a tight enough position…
The aim of the operation is to prevent repeated episodes of giving way or buckling of the knee. Published research shows that approximately 90% of patients consider their knee to function normally, or nearly normally, after surgery. Full contact sport is allowed after rehabilitation but not everyone gets back to his or her previous level….
The ‘keyhole surgery’ operation to reconstruct the ACL involves replacing it with other strong tendons from areas around the knee. Two main grafts are in common use: the Hamstring Tendon graft and the Patella Tendon graft. Both are considered to be equally good and the choice usually depends on the surgeon’s preference. Currently the Hamstring…
Surgical reconstruction is indicated in individuals who wish to return to pivoting type sports, and for those who have problems with giving way during day-to-day activities. We have previously outlined how repeated giving way of the knee may lead to damage of other structures within the knee and it is this repeated giving way that…
The special function of the ACL As well as providing a restraint to abnormal knee movement, the ACL gives important information to the muscles involved in the reflex control of knee movements. Nerve fibres give the knee a sense of position and movement and this sensory awareness is known as proprioception. It is a normal…
Types of tears: functional or non-functional Several different words are used to describe a torn ACL including ruptured, snapped, injured, torn and popped for example. Once injured, it can partially heal in some people and this may give sufficient restraint to return to non pivoting sports. In most however, the ligament will not heal tight…
