how far should i be able to bend by now?

[00dann]

hey i just found this site, i really wish i found it sooner its brilliant!! im 2 1/2 months post op with hamstring graft, i was just wondering how far i should be able to bend my knee by now, i know everyone is different but, usually at this stage how far should you be able to bend? and when people say they can bend 90,110,130 degree's, is this by pulling it in with your hand and seeing how far you can take it or just pulling it in unaided? if anyone can give me any help it would be great, thanks! Danny.

[Accie]

As you say everyone is different, personally i am 2 months post op and have 115 degrees flexion and 8 degrees from extension however i had a setback which has put me back a few weeks. I would say getting your leg to full extension is the first priority, lets you walk without limping. 

[cmvsm]

As long as you are working on your flexion slowly each day with heel slides, you shouldn't really put a time limit on it.  The flexion will come in due time. Your extension on the other hand is crucial to proper recovery.  I'd be much more concerned with this.  As has been said, its the only way that you will return to walking normally.  Poor extension leads to gimpy walking, hip problems, and possibly an intervention by your OS.

[00dann]

thanks very much for replys! my extension is 100% or so my physio says, ive been walking witout a limp for nearly 2 months now, so i think i got my extension fairly quick. but my flex is not really impoving at all, ill just have to be patient because everyone tells me that it will come in time!!

[emmastan]

hi,
my main rehab diary is under 'how much bend' i had the same question at your stage, i can help a little i have just had my 6 month check up with consultant he measured my flexion at 110 degrees i think thats really poor and told him so but he said everybodys flexion is differant, he said it may be that i never gain full flexion but its important to reach 130 degrees for normal life to continue. he said at six months some have gained full but others havnt and it could take nine months.
so to put that into perspective, be patient keep working at it and it will return.

regards
Emma

[pepstar197]

I just had my 6 week post-op ACLR check-up.  The OS didn't even look at my flexion but was only concerned that my extension was not as far along as he would have liked.    As the others have mentioned, the OS said the bend would come in time but to concentrate on extension and quad strength.

[nerospiro]

hi all
   i am currently at 21 weeks hamstring grapht also, just wondered did anybody have there extension measured standing up reason i ask this is because i can get full extension even hyper extension while sitting down altho it is a bit stiff before i stretch it then when i stand up for a while gets more difficult to achive a straight leg painful even, getting a bit down about the whole thing my os on my last visit seem to suggest its a mental thing which i suppose if you look at it that it hurts so my head tells me not to it makes sense.