Message from your doctor…
Dr. Tony Levenda, sports medicine orthopedic surgeon
Whether you or one of your family members or friends is considering ACL reconstructive surgery, or are scheduled for surgery, I understand this can be a stressful time. And you may have forgotten some of the information we discussed during our last visit, or forgot to ask me a specific question about what to expect. This site is designed to help us stay connected, and to answer some of the most common questions patients ask me about ACL reconstructive surgery.
If you’re scheduled for surgery, please sign up below to receive pertinent post surgical and recovery information from me via text message or email. I want to make sure that both you and your family members have timely information at your fingertips during the days, weeks, and months following your surgery…so you can get back to enjoying the activities you love.
RecoverWell — Post Surgical ACL Reconstruction
Please share the information on this site with your friends and family so they can be involved in helping you prepare for ACL reconstructive surgery, assist you after your surgery, and throughout your entire recovery.
What to expect after surgery
DAY 1
Now that your surgery is behind you, the focus is on icing, elevating and getting ready to start therapy. Detailed week 1 info at: http://goo.gl/vTT4R
DAY 7
1 week down. Focus on motion, motion and more motion. Work hard in PT and it will pay off. Get your knee straight as quickly as possible. Tips: http://goo.gl/D4OER
DAY 14
Well 2 weeks down. Great Job! Work hard on motion. Ask your therapist if your quad is strong enough to unlock your brace. Detailed info: http://goo.gl/67mRT
DAY 21
3 weeks down. You should be feeling more like yourself again and beginning to walk more normally. Detailed info for the week ahead at: http://goo.gl/yAL5z
DAY 28
4 weeks down. Hooray, no more brace. You should be able to get 0-90 degrees of motion by now or soon. For more tips: http://goo.gl/K45p5
DAY 42
6 wks down.Great job! Therapy will now focus on strengthening. Put sunblock on your incisions if out in the sun to help scars fade. More tips: http://goo.gl/RaovP
DAY 120
Remember, you can’t return to full cutting and pivoting sports until 6 months after surgery. Any questions give ask your doctor or therapist.
DAY 180
Congratulations!! Your hard work has paid off and it is time to return to all of your activities and sports. Specific 6 month info: http://goo.gl/FEFao
DAY 150
Still too early to return to full sports but almost there. Hang in there and call us with questions.