ACL injury

[marcmax]

Does anyone on here have any experience or knowledge about ACL injuries? My daughter got her degree in tourism management and has been working at the ski resort in Breckenridge, CO for a few years. She just recently had a bad fall skiing. The orthopedic surgeon has told her she didn't just tear her ACL, it has completely separated from its anchor points in her knee. They are going to do surgery to remove a part of her hamstring and use it to make a new ACL (I leave Sunday for Colorado). She has an awesome Dr. who has made built his practice rehabilitating pro skiers but I was just wondering what she has in store for her. All comments welcome.

[nhmaf]

I personally haven't damaged mine, but I know of some who have (also from skiing).  Additionally, my purebreed golden retriever tore both her ACL and MCL in her rear leg after falling down an embankment and getting tangled up in some fallen trees.   It was an expensive surgery for our pup and she has some screws in her leg which were needed to reattach and stabilize the ACL, MCL while things healed and reattached to the bone, but after 9 months she is almost back to full speed and hiking again.


It is a repairable injury, and the recuperation period can be lengthy - following good physical therapy regimes are a tremendous help in the success of the procedure and the functionality of the limb afterward.   It is quite likely that a full recovery with few or no physical limitations is achievable, but patience and persistence with the physical therapy is key.


We will keep your daughter in our prayers for a speedy recovery!

[marcmax]

Thanks for the prayers NHMAF. I don't care what your preference is ( I believe in prayers) any positive charma for my daughter is appreciated. This young women looked death in the face at age seven when she was diagnosed with cancer and endured through 18 months of chemotherapy. She came out the other end and graduated from university, Summa Cum Laude, straight A's for four years and I am sure she can handle this. It is her dad who is having issues with it

[clonmore1]

Marc,

I did my ACL in my left knee almost 20 years ago and had what was then the 'best practice' in knee reconstruction with a Dacron graft. Rehab was a nightmare and it took around 18 months to gain full strength. Range of motion is restricted for around 6 months with temp mngt (cold) used extensively to reduce post-op edema (swelling).

The (now best practice) approach is to harvest some of the hamstring and use this to construct a new ligament. The anchor points that have been damaged will be replaced with screws (titanium would be preferable).

Patience during rehab is important as is following the physio's lead all the way, 18 months of frustration, she just needs to hang in there and follow the system.

All the very best to her[ch128077]

[montmil]

Absolutely no knowledge regarding ACL injuries and rehab other than other folks talking about staying with the rehab program.

Positive thoughts for your daughter. And her Dad.

[marcmax]

Thanks everyone for all the caring thoughts. She has a great support network in place and a surgeon who specializes in this operation as he works with the US Ski Team who trains at the resort she works at. She is ready, it is Dad who is having a hard time. Once I get there and start making big pots of grandma's chicken soup for her I will feel better.

[marcmax]

Just a quick update. My daughter's surgery went well and the Dr has told her if she sticks to her physical therapy routine she can expect full recovery and use of her knee. She lives in a ski area and works for a ski resort. In talking to people in town I was surprised how many people there have had the same injury, some multiple times.

I am just glad she is on the mend and that I am back at sea level where I belong. I am not made to live at 10,000 ft in the mountains.