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Complete ACL TEAR- can surgery wait ?
Hi I am a 41 year old obese female and have just torn my acl - complete tear . It has been 2 weeks and my Ortho says don't need immediate surgery and can wait a year even . How long before I can walk normally again ? I am not an athlete but I do like to swim and walk and dance - will I be able to do all this without surgery ?
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First of all, acl ligament tear will not heal by its own ..ligament recreconstruction is the only solution in your case and also then only u can carry out your sports type activities. Second thing waiting for such a long time is not advisable as internal derangement may lead to medial meniscus tear and early arthritis changes due to cartilage erosion..so better to go for arthroscopic acl reconstruction as soon as possible till that time keep doing quadriceps strengthening excersises andROM excersises that will help you in post operative rehabilitation.
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Dr. Krishna Naresh Goud
Orthopedist
14 yrs exp
Bangalore
In my opinion it will be never normal as pre injury status. you will feel difficulty while walking on uneven surfaces, taking turns suddenly, dancing, and feel instablity in the knee while walking. but the chances of getting this symptoms vary and depend on your physical activity and the physiotherapy may get you upto 75% of your pre injury status by maintaining your muscle tone. but the chances of arthritis and meniscal injury also there. its a decision to be taken by the patient to wait for surgery because how much physical activity you want do depends on you. as you like swimming and dancing please choose your option wisely.
Next Steps
physio to maintain muscle tone
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Dr. Amit Aggarwal
Orthopedist
15 yrs exp
Jaipur
Yes U can wait but avoid any physical activity as any new injury will damage cartilage and meniscus.
Next Steps
do rehabilitation and exercises
Health Tips
swimming and walking can be done.. no dance till Surgery
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Dr. D. Shrinivas
Orthopedist
22 yrs exp
Mumbai
Yes you can wait.
You can lead your life normally with due precautions and exercise.
Surgery is not compulsory if your demand is less.
ACL surgery is reconstruction and not repair ..so it can be done at any point in your life.
I hope this answers your questions.
Take care.
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Dr. Harmesh Kapoor
Orthopedist
26 yrs exp
Delhi
In fact there is a protocol to wait for 3 months before embarking surgery except in few selected situations.
But this time you should use doing supervised physiotherapy to maintain your muscle mass and tone.
Next Steps
if you do religious exercise program and you are not an athlete , you may get away without surgery if you are not a professional athlete.
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.