Knee Ligament Surgery (ACL) at Antwerp Hospital Network ZNA

A full recovery can take between 6-9 months, during which time, no contact sport should be played. It can extend to a year depending upon various factors. You can return to work 2 to 3 weeks after the surgery if it is office work. If not, wait for the recovery. At least 3 months are required to get back to it if you do physical work. You can continue to drive 3 to 4 weeks after being operated upon. In 6 months, you can start taking part in sports. 1 year is needed for full-term recovery. You might have swelling in your knee and shin due to the leakage of blood and synovial fluid from the operated joint. Pain killers are given to help you avoid severe pain in the initial days. Swelling and pain are temporary symptoms which subside usually after a week. If not, consult your doctor immediately.

The most important aspect of recovering from ACL surgery is the physiotherapy, this begins immediately after the surgery, usually the next day whilst still in the hospital. Then when you return home, you'll be expected to do various stretches and exercises 3 times a day, every day for the next 6+ weeks. Regular physio appointments should be attended so the professionals can keep tabs on your recovery. Physio is only finished once you pass a strength test to confirm the joint is now at least 95% of the strength of your good knee. Continued gym work should be adhered to even after clearing the assessment, building the strength of the depleted hamstring is highly advisable. 

Anterior cruciate ligament surgery is considered one of the most successful surgeries in Orthopaedics. 85 to 90% success rate is reported for this surgery. After the surgery, the patient is again able to walk and run on his own feet. It is almost always successful. In case it does not work out, the reason can be infection and blood clot formation. The patient feels stiffness in his joint and decreased mobility. In this case, another surgery is required. Revision of this surgery is a complex procedure that might not always be successful. It works to restore your normal mobility. You might not be able to be a part of sports and athletics again. Avoid infections and blood clot formation during the surgery. It is essential to begin physio immediately and to keep this up during the entire recovery period.