Patient Guide for Arthroscopic ACL Surgery

Arthroscopic ACL surgery is performed to treat a torn anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, and help restore knee stability, strength, and function. This guide explains how to prepare before surgery, what to expect during your hospital stay, and how recovery and rehabilitation usually progress after discharge.

What to Expect Before and After Arthroscopic ACL Surgery

1.  Preparing for Surgery

• Medical Preparation:
  • Complete all pre-surgery tests (e.g., blood work, MRI, or ECG) as directed by your surgeon.
  • Discuss all medications with your doctor; you may need to pause blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs.
  • Inform your surgeon of any health conditions, allergies, or recent infections.
• Physical Preparation:
  • Engage in pre-surgery physical therapy (if recommended) to strengthen quadriceps and hamstrings, which aids recovery.
  • Practice using crutches to prepare for post-surgery mobility.
  • Maintain a healthy diet and stop smoking to optimize healing.
• Home Preparation:
  • Arrange for someone to drive you home and assist you for 1–2 days post-surgery.
  • Set up a recovery area with essentials (e.g., bed, ice packs, pillows to elevate your leg).
  • Remove tripping hazards (e.g., loose rugs) to ensure safe movement with crutches.
• Logistics:
  • Pack a small bag with comfortable clothes, toiletries, ID, and insurance details.
  • Follow fasting instructions (typically no food or drink after midnight before surgery).

2.  About the Surgery and Potential Complications

• Procedure Overview:
  • Arthroscopic ACL surgery takes about 1–2 hours, usually under general or regional anesthesia.
  • The surgeon uses small incisions and a camera (arthroscope) to reconstruct the torn ACL, often using a graft (from your hamstring, patellar tendon, or a donor).
  • The goal is to restore knee stability and function.
• Potential Complications (rare but possible):
  • Infection: Occurs in <1% of cases; treated with antibiotics or, rarely, additional surgery.
  • Blood Clots: Low risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT); managed with early movement and physiotherapy or medications.
  • Graft Failure: The new ligament may not heal properly, requiring revision surgery (rare).
  • Stiffness or Pain: May occur if rehabilitation is not followed.
  • Nerve Damage: Rare, but may cause temporary numbness or weakness.
  • Your surgical team will take precautions to minimize these risks.

3.  What to Expect in the Hospital

• Length of Stay: Day surgery or a one-night stay, depending on your condition and surgeon’s recommendation.
• Post-Surgery:
  • You will wake in a recovery room, monitored for vital signs.
  • Pain will be managed with medications (e.g., oral painkillers or injections).
  • A physical therapist may show you basic exercises or how to use crutches before discharge.
• Daily Routine:
  • Your knee may be in a brace or wrapped in bandages to reduce swelling.
  • Ice packs and elevation will be used to control swelling.
  • Nurses will check your incision and ensure you’re stable before discharge.
• Discharge Planning:
  • You will receive instructions on wound care, medications, and physical therapy.
  • You will be discharged once you’re alert, can move with crutches, and have stable vital signs.

4.  What to Expect After Discharge

• Recovery Timeline:
  • First 1–2 Weeks: Focus on rest, icing, and elevation to reduce swelling; you should be able to move around with crutches.
  • Weeks 3–6: Physical therapy to focus on regaining range of motion; transition from crutches to walking without any aids.
  • 3–6 Months: Progressive strengthening; return to light activities (e.g., walking, cycling).
  • 9–12 Months: Full return to sports or high-impact activities, if cleared by your surgeon and physiotherapist.
• At Home:
  • Pain and Swelling: Normal for 1–2 weeks; use prescribed pain medications, ice (20 minutes every 2–3 hours), and elevate your leg.
  • Mobility: Use crutches and a knee brace (if prescribed); avoid weight-bearing until directed.
  • Physical Therapy: Start within days; attend sessions (2–3 times per week) and do home exercises to restore strength and flexibility.
  • Wound Care: Keep incisions clean and dry; monitor for signs of infection (redness, swelling, fever).
• Lifestyle Adjustments:
  • Avoid twisting, pivoting, or high-impact activities until cleared (usually 6–12 months).
  • Use a shower chair or assistive devices to prevent falls.
  • Follow a balanced diet to support healing.
• Follow-Up:
  • Attend follow-up appointments (typically 1–2 weeks post-surgery) to monitor progress.
  • Contact your doctor immediately if you notice fever, severe pain, excessive swelling, or calf pain (possible blood clot).

Final Tips:

• Stay committed to physical therapy for optimal recovery.
• Be patient; returning to full activity takes time but yields significant improvement.
• Reach out to your healthcare team with any concerns.

Wishing you a successful surgery and smooth recovery!