Cruciate ligaments :

Does partial tear in ACL mean surgery? - - Posted by harley (harley), 10 January 2005

Hi everyone, its me again:
    Agonizing over decision of surgery.  It seems the more I read, the more I learn, and more doubt comes to mind.  I visited my ortho just last week expecting to get pre-surgery info, my surgery was sceduled for that Friday. and was to consist of just meniscus repair, the second one on same knee.. Instead upon examination of my knee and a little minipulation on his part, tells me I have too much give in my knee and I need ACL Recon.  I have pain in my knee but it hasn't given out lately, just pops and locks.  Iam just wondering if I can get away with no surgery.  What do you think?  Is there a site that talks with people who haven't opted for surgery?  Thank You in advance for your imput  Sincerely LR
Posted by jbluestein (jbluestein), 10 January 2005

hey harley, welcome to the in-decision club!

luckily my knee is stable enough to get by, except for my beloved sport-life. I've put off surgery for almost 3 years, but, my knee has gotten progressively worse, so under the knife I go in March.

I like to send people to this site, start with this subject and cruise the site. It's an excellent starting point.

http://www.orthoassociates.com/ACL_Indications.htm#Not_Equal

good luck.
Posted by nick157 (nick157), 10 January 2005

Hey Harley,

I don't know if you have seen my post below yet (You may well have as you mention you've read quite a lot):

http://www.kneeguru.co.uk/cgi-bin/KNEEtalk/YaBB.pl?board=cruciates;action=display;num=1102692285

but there may be some info you find useful. I was in exactly the same boat as you. 50% tear and I could not have been more undecided! In the end I'm going for the surgery next Friday.

Best of luck with your decison  
Posted by libertynm (libertynm), 11 January 2005

hi harley,

Not everyone opts for surgery.  Some people do great with activity modification +/- bracing.  Don't feel rushed into the decision.   Take your time and take it easy on your knee in the meantime.  

I had 8 months between the date of my injury and the date of my surgery.  It just so happened that I found activity modification unbearable and my knee was unstable even in every day life.  Everyone's different. . .

Sincerely,
Nesanet
Posted by harley (harley), 11 January 2005

Hi Libertynm;
    Thank you for your imput. I too had many months between my already two surgeries.  This will be my third, and I am just not up for it right now.  My knee is pretty stable, I don't worry about it buckling. I just want to get back to my workouts, lose some more weight, and see where I stand. This ACL determination came as a complete suprise to me at my last Dr. visit. It just doesn't seem like a very pleasant surgery at all, not that any are, but at least with the arthroscopic meniscus repair that I have already had I kindo knew what I was In for.  This is unchartered territory, and I don't feel ready.  Just today I called My ortho to let him know I need to hold off for a while longer. After the phone call a great relief fell over me. I have been a wreck this last week.  Anyways thanks to all! who have cared enough to help me make a wiser decision, the sites are great and so are all of you.  Take care.  Sincerely;   Lana

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