Preparing for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair surgery can be overwhelming. It’s natural to feel anxious about the procedure, the recovery process, and what the future holds for your knee health. Knowing how to properly prepare for ACL repair surgery is essential—not only to improve your surgical outcome but also to support your overall wellbeing throughout the journey. This article provides practical, evidence-based tips to help you get ready with confidence. You’ll benefit from the expert advice of Professor Paul Lee at MSK Doctors, who brings extensive clinical experience and a compassionate approach to patient care.

Medical Assessments and Consultations: Building a Solid Foundation

The first step in preparing for ACL surgery is a thorough medical assessment. This helps identify any potential issues that could affect your treatment or recovery. Expect to have blood tests, imaging such as MRI or X-rays to examine the extent of your injury, and a physical examination to assess the stability and function of your knee.

During your consultation, it’s important to ask questions that help you understand the procedure, the expected recovery timeline, and the rehabilitation process. For example, you might want to know what activities you’ll need to avoid or how long before you can return to exercise. Understanding the nature of your injury also matters, as “ACL injuries occur approximately 70% of the time without any form of physical contact,” often during sudden twists, awkward landings, or quick changes in speed (Hasan, 2023). This knowledge helps tailor your treatment and recovery plan to your specific needs.

At MSK Doctors, Professor Paul Lee personally oversees these assessments, ensuring you receive the highest standard of professional and supportive care.

Prehabilitation: Getting Your Body Ready for Surgery

Preparing your body before surgery—known as prehabilitation or “prehab”—can make a significant difference in your recovery speed and outcome. Prehab exercises focus on strengthening the muscles around your knee, improving flexibility, and maintaining joint mobility, all of which help support the knee after surgery.

Importantly, research shows that “techniques that provide a higher stiffness to the repaired ACL may be required to reduce the risk of post-traumatic arthritis often seen after ACL injuries” (Beveridge et al., 2019). This means that strengthening your knee properly before surgery is key to protecting your joint long term.

Typical prehab exercises might include gentle movements to improve your knee’s range of motion, targeted strengthening for your quadriceps and hamstrings, and balance training. Always follow the advice of your physiotherapist or orthopaedic specialist to ensure you are doing these safely and effectively.

If you have a younger patient in your family, there is encouraging news from recent advances: “ACL repair in young children using this technique avoids the need for graft harvesting and shows excellent outcomes without affecting limb growth” (Smith et al., 2016). Such developments highlight the exciting possibilities of modern surgery tailored to individual needs.

With Professor Paul Lee’s wealth of experience in rehabilitation, MSK Doctors will design a personalised plan that prepares your body thoroughly for surgery and leads to a smoother recovery.

Lifestyle, Nutrition, and Medication: Supporting Your Body from Within

Your day-to-day choices before surgery play an important role in how well your body copes with the operation and heals afterward. It’s wise to avoid activities that might place extra stress on your injured knee and follow any activity restrictions advised by your healthcare team.

Nutrition is another critical factor. A balanced diet packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals supports tissue repair and boosts your immune system. Eating well helps your body prepare for surgery and recover more effectively.

Also, be sure to discuss your current medications with your healthcare providers. This includes prescription drugs, blood thinners, or supplements—they may need adjustment to reduce the risk of complications during surgery.

Remember, “primary repair of the ligament offers advantages over reconstruction, such as less invasive surgery, quicker return of movement, and fewer complications” (Hasan, 2023). Understanding these benefits can help you make informed decisions about your preparation and treatment options.

Home Preparation and Mental Readiness: Creating a Comfortable Recovery Space

Getting your home ready before surgery can make a big difference to your comfort and safety while you recover. Arrange your living space to be easily accessible—clear walkways, place frequently used items within easy reach, and prepare a comfortable area for rest. If you use mobility aids such as crutches or supports, have them ready in advance.

Mental preparation is just as important as physical readiness. Techniques like mindfulness and deep breathing exercises can help calm nerves and reduce anxiety before surgery. Setting realistic goals and having a solid support network of family and friends will also boost your confidence.

Good communication with your surgical and rehabilitation teams is invaluable. Knowing what to expect and who to contact with concerns reduces stress and helps you stay positive throughout your recovery.

Summary and Final Thoughts

Getting ready for ACL repair surgery involves several key steps: thorough medical evaluations, targeted prehabilitation, sensible lifestyle and nutrition choices, and thoughtful home and mental preparation. Each plays a vital part in helping you recover more smoothly and faster.

With the expert guidance of Professor Paul Lee and the professional, caring environment at MSK Doctors, you’ll have a dedicated team supporting you every step of the way.

For personalised advice suited to your individual circumstances, always consult a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing surgery.

For individual medical advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

References

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
Hasan, J. (2023). Primary ACL Repair. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 11(2_suppl). https://doi.org/10.1177/2325967121s00863
Smith, J. O., Yasen, S. K., Palmer, H. C., Lord, B. R., Britton, E. M., & Wilson, A. J. (2016). Paediatric ACL repair reinforced with temporary internal bracing. Knee Surgery Sports Traumatology Arthroscopy, 24(6), 1845–1851. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-016-4150-x