Surgery to repair a torn ACL?

Question

I recently tore my acl, and have some damage to my meniscus. I was just curious about what the surgery is like and how long is the recovery and healing process? Like, when can I be back up running and playing like my good ol' self again? What was involved to get the strength in your knee back, and are you just about as good as new??

Answer 1

My dad also tore his ACL and if he would have had surgery (which he didnt because it is horribly painful) he would have tooken him 6-8 months to be back to his old self.

Answer 2

Usually ACL repair is done through arthroscopy (small 1/4 inch incisions), and the patient goes home the same day.  The first few days the patient is sore, but the prescribed pain med can make it tolerable.  Crutches are used until weight-bearing is tolerable.  Every patients injury is different, but I would say within six weeks most are able to return to all pre-surgery activities.