Introduction

If you’re recovering from ACL surgery, welcome. We understand this can be a tough time — physically and emotionally. This guide is here to provide you with reliable, clear steps to help you walk confidently again, return to work and driving, and gradually get back to your daily activities. Leading orthopaedic expert Professor Paul Lee and the experienced team at MSK Doctors are devoted to supporting you at every stage of your recovery.

Understanding the Early Days: Looking After Yourself Right After Surgery

The first fortnight after your surgery is crucial for healing. It’s normal to notice swelling and discomfort around your knee during this period. Simple things like regular icing and keeping your leg elevated can make a big difference in easing these symptoms. Moving gently, as your surgeon advises, helps prevent stiffness, but be sure to use crutches or any supports exactly as recommended to protect your healing ligament.

It’s important to know that repairing the ACL, rather than replacing it, is an option reserved for certain patients: “repair of the torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in selected patients can be a valuable surgical treatment” (Fradin et al., 2021). Also, concerns like “high rates of osteoarthritis after conventional ACL reconstruction” have led doctors to explore repair techniques carefully suited to individuals (Vavken & Murray, 2011). With the expert care of Professor Paul Lee and MSK Doctors, you are in safe hands during these early steps.

Taking Your First Steps: Moving from Crutches to Walking on Your Own

Between two and six weeks after surgery, many patients begin to reduce their use of crutches and support aids. Listen closely to your body — signs like less pain, better knee flexibility, and gaining strength suggest you’re ready to take this step. But don’t rush. Going too fast risks damaging your repair.

To rebuild strength and stability, simple exercises like slow leg raises and careful knee bends are very helpful. Professor Paul Lee stresses how important it is to have professional guidance during this time to make sure your recovery stays on track.

Getting Back Behind the Wheel and Returning to Work: When Is It Safe?

Wondering when to start driving again? It depends on factors such as which knee you had surgery on, how well you can control the pedals, and your pain levels and reflexes. Always check with your healthcare team before driving.

Returning to work also varies according to your role. Desk jobs might allow you to go back sooner than physically demanding ones. Taking it slow, gradually increasing your work hours and responsibilities, is the safest approach. The caring team at MSK Doctors and Professor Lee are here to support and guide you at every step.

Your Recovery Timeline: What to Expect Week by Week

While everyone’s journey is different, here’s a general outline:

• Weeks 1–2: Manage pain and swelling, rely on crutches.
• Weeks 2–6: Start putting more weight on your leg, ease off walking aids, begin strengthening exercises.
• Weeks 6–12: Walk more confidently, try low-impact activities, increase knee movement.
• After 3 months: Resume most daily activities, with your doctor’s okay, possibly even return to sport.

Sometimes, further treatment is needed. Remember, “one of the main advantages is that it leaves all grafts available for any type of reconstruction in case the repair fails” (Fradin et al., 2021). Plus, exciting advances in medicine mean that “a bioactive and biocompatible scaffold… has shown promising outcomes, suggesting future success in clinical use” (Vavken & Murray, 2011).

Research from animal studies also tells us that “techniques that provide higher stiffness to the repaired ACL may reduce the risk of osteoarthritis following injury” (Beveridge et al., 2019). This shows why professional monitoring and tailored rehabilitation are so vital.

Keep listening to your body, ask questions, and make sure to attend all follow-up appointments to stay on track.

Conclusion: Patience and Support Help You Get There

Following a clear, step-by-step recovery plan helps you regain strength, confidence, and independence after ACL surgery. Remember, recovery takes time, and each person’s experience is unique. Rely on the expert team at MSK Doctors and Professor Paul Lee to guide you safely through every stage. For advice tailored specifically to you, always consult your healthcare professional.

References

• Fradin, T., Haidar, I., Rayes, J., Ngbilo, C., Dutra Vieira, T., & Sonnery‐Cottet, B. (2021). Arthroscopic ACL Reconstruction After Failed ACL Repair. Arthroscopy Techniques, 10(4), e1001–e1005. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eats.2020.11.022
• Vavken, P., & Murray, M. M. (2011). The potential for primary repair of the ACL. Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Review, 19(1), 44–49. https://doi.org/10.1097/jsa.0b013e3182095e5d
• Beveridge, J. E., Proffen, B. L., Karamchedu, N. P., Chin, K. E., Sieker, J. T., Badger, G. J., Kiapour, A. M., Murray, M. M., & Fleming, B. C. (2019). Cartilage damage is related to ACL stiffness in a porcine model of ACL repair. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 37(10), 2249–2257. https://doi.org/10.1002/jor.24381