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ACL Reconstruction or Not?

(7 posts)
  • Started 15 years ago by txsurfer
  • Latest reply from stevenfenh

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  1. txsurfer
    Member

    I'm a 34 year old active male...who happens to love surfing beyond all other sports/hobbies.

    I was recently diagnosed with a torn ACL and torn meniscus in my left knee from a flag football injury.

    I am trying to decide whether I should have ACL reconstruction or not.

    My quandry is that the knee does not hurt. I also do not have instability issues.

    I have been going to PT currently and there is nothing that I have been asked to do that I can not do painfree.

    What is your professional opinion on whether or not to have the reconstruction?

    Thanks and PURA VIDA,
    Txsurfer

    Posted 15 years ago #

  2. jpassmore
    Member

    Tx surfer,

    Is the ACL completely torn?
    Shortboard, longboard, cruiser, thrasher? :)

    Who say you have no instability issues? MD, PT, you?

    Here is the skinny:
    If you knee is stable, than you must have some STRONG muscles, particulary hamstrings. You might be able to get away with no surgery. Keep in mind, pending your surfing swagger/style, there is alot of torque on the knee with certain "cuts," especially cutbacks to big bottom turns!

    What has your PT challenged you with, that you say is PAIN Free? Are the activities complex sports simulation?

    If you don't have the surgery, your knee will be at a greater risk for injuring the other ligaments and meniscus b/c you are now 1 down!
    If you have surgery, it will be months before you can get back to sport and you will be in pain.

    Bottom line, how much have you really tested it now? Surfing? Anything else?

    Get back to me...
    If you know anoyone else dealing with something, please don't hesitate to tell them about this FORUM.

    Thanks for the question,
    ~J

    Posted 15 years ago #

  3. txsurfer
    Member

    Is the ACL completely torn?
    Yes

    Shortboard, longboard, cruiser, thrasher? :)
    I prefer shortboard...although I have not attempted it since my injury in January. I have been out on my longboard a few times though. I am headed to Costa Rica next month for a friend's wedding and some surfing. I've been putting of the ACL surgery till after that trip.

    Who say you have no instability issues? MD, PT, you?
    The PT said that from the stabilty tests that he administered.
    I said it because I have had no issues with the instability during any of the PT work that I have done or the running that I do on my own.

    If you knee is stable, than you must have some STRONG muscles, particulary hamstrings.
    I was a competitive bodybuilder for 10 years before hanging it up in June 2005 and starting to surf again.

    What has your PT challenged you with, that you say is PAIN Free? Are the activities complex sports simulation?
    I started out very basic obviously....balance work, etc. Moved up to running in a straight line and then some cutting drills and full sprints. I am currently running 2-3 miles about 4 days a week now.
    I asked the PT if I could take the test that they give ACL reconstruction clients to determine if they are ready to full activity. We are going to do that this Thursday.

    If you don't have the surgery, your knee will be at a greater risk for injuring the other ligaments and meniscus b/c you are now 1 down!
    That is what I'm afraid of, I guess. It doesn't hurt now and I continue to push myself further and further.

    Bottom line, how much have you really tested it now? Surfing? Anything else?
    Surfing, Umpiring baseball games, jogging, cutting drills in PT, stairs daily.

    Thanks for your help, sir!

    Posted 15 years ago #

  4. jpassmore
    Member

    Where are you going in COSTA? I am jealous! I am planning on Baja in the fall!

    Well, based on your reponses, you sound good to go. If it was me I would avoid surgery. Have you discussed with your PT some type of over the counter brace, or custom brace as a preventative measure? This could be a nice compromise.

    Thoughts?

    ~J

    Posted 15 years ago #

  5. txsurfer
    Member

    Josh,
    We are headed up to the northern Pacific side. Playa Negra to be exact.

    Be careful in Baja, brother. Mexico is OFF THE HOOK right now. (I work in a federal prison...so I deal with a lot of these high profile drug cartel guys. They are no joke).

    I have talked to the PT about a brace to surf in. He thought it was a good idea. I'll definitely be grabbing one before I go to Costa.

    Thanks for your suggestions and advice!! I think for now I'm going to put off the surgery and let my body tell me when/if I will eventually need it.

    I met a girl in PT a couple weeks ago that was rehabbing her THIRD ACL reconstuction on the same knee!! Two allograhs and one autograph. WOW. I can't imagine having to do that. If I can avoid surgery, I will.

    Thanks again.

    PURE VIDA,
    Jim

    Posted 15 years ago #

  6. txsurfer
    Member

    Hey Josh...

    Last night I went to see my PT and he admistered a "Return to Full Activity" test.

    Jumping off a step and sticking the landing on only the affected leg;
    Broad jumping and sticking the landing on only the affected leg;
    Triple jumping and sticking the last jump on only the affected leg;
    Running a figure 8 drill between cones at full speed.

    I did all of these tests successfully and pain free.

    That settled it for me...I'm holding off on the ACL construction. I'll be smart on that leg and play it by ear...letting my body tell me what I should and shouldn't attempt to do.

    Thanks again for your insight. Hope you catch some good surf in Baja!

    Posted 15 years ago #

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