Thank you for sharing your concern.
At 6 months after ACL + meniscus surgery (and 2 months after MUA), having a persistent extension deficit of even 1–2° can cause the exact problems you are describing—difficulty walking after sitting, altered gait, and a “short-leg” sensation while running. This is not uncommon, but it is important to address early because even small extension losses can overload the knee and affect long-term outcomes.
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Why this happens
• Post-surgical arthrofibrosis (scar tissue) can limit extension.
• Weakness of the quadriceps, especially the VMO, can worsen the extension lag.
• Tight hamstrings or posterior capsule can also restrict full straightening.
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What you should do now
1. Prioritize full extension above all
Strength and running can wait, but extension must be restored. The goal is to match your other knee (around -6°).
2. Daily targeted stretching
• Prone hangs (lying on your stomach with the leg hanging off the bed) – 10–15 min/day
• Heel prop stretch – knee resting straight with a small weight above the thigh
• Hamstring & calf stretching
3. Focused physiotherapy
An experienced sports physiotherapist should work with you on:
• Patellar mobilization
• Soft tissue release
• Passive extension techniques
• Quadriceps activation (especially VMO)
• Gait retraining
4. Check for any mechanical block
If progress completely plateaus, we may need to rule out:
• Residual scar tissue
• Cyclops lesion
• Meniscal or graft impingement
A clinical exam and, if required, an MRI can help identify this.
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Is another intervention needed?
Most patients improve with focused physiotherapy once the right program is followed.
But if extension is still not improving despite dedicated therapy:
• Arthroscopic release (for cyclops or scar tissue) can help regain full motion.
This is usually a short, minimally invasive procedure.
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My advice
You are not alone—this is a known issue after ACL reconstruction.
But it’s important to correct it now, because even a few degrees of extension loss can affect long-term knee biomechanics.
Let’s reassess your knee clinically and tailor a rehab plan. With the right approach, you should be able to regain near-normal extension and return to running safely.
Feel free to share your reports or visit the clinic so we can guide you properly.
Answered2025-11-28 10:26:46
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