ACL reconstruction - How long?

[Goffins]

I'm due to have my ACL reconstructed post June and I'd like to hear from any other cyclists who have gone through the same Injury/repair. Primarily I want to know how long before I can start riding again.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[MichaelM]

At a rough guess from memory, you'll be able to resume "normal" cycling at around 3 months.

That doesn't mean you won't be able to do anything at all for three months though.

 

[Goffins]

Just an update, had my ACL reconstucted 3 weeks ago today using a patella graft, I've been out cycling today and managed 5 miles at a very relaxed pace.

If anyone needs any info on the procedure, what to request ect then feel free to direct questions my way.

 

[Beaker39]

If you don't mind me asking how old are you?

also...

How did you come about your injury in the first place?

Reason I ask is that I HAD an ACL but it "apparently", after initial damage, wore itself away until i was left with just a couple of stumps. They removed these cleaned it up and sent me on my way. That was 2 years ago!!!

 

[Goffins]

I've just turned 28 and I injured myself playing squash, I tried to live without the ACL for about a 2 years as I had to contend with the birth of my son so it was all a bit hectic.

Unfortunately having no ACL is no way to live for even a semi active person, I was unable to run, play catch with my nephews and do alot of the semi childish things we like to do on a daily basis without it giving way and had to completely forget about proper sports. Likewise mine fully snapped and left to its own devices rotted away, I had no initial surgery after the tear.

If your leg is stable and it doesn't cuase you any problems then I wouldn't worry too much, it certainly didn't effect my cycling. But if it stops you form doing other things you certainly have a case to have it repaired and it doesn't matter how long ago the injury happened as the graft is a complete replacement.

 

[Beaker39]

I think i will leave it as is. I have been told by the specialist that due to my excessive wear over many years of sport (i'm 39 btw) and the athritis i have in my knee that ultimately I will need a knee replacement but they won't do something like that until I'm at least 50 (iirc). He did talk about a partial replacement if things got too bad but so for so good. Especially now I have found cycling .

TBH I am amazed at how quickly you seem to be recovering so well done to you