Should I get my ACL done?

[goysuling]

I am 39 years old. 14 months ago I dislocated my patella and broke my fibula (ankle part) while playing captain ball.The following day I did ORIF for my fibula and 2 weeks later I did some shavings of the torn ACL.Doc said my ACL only 50% torn therefore there is no need for ACL reconstruction. Sept 2010 I removed the plate from my fibula.
Up till now, I still limp a little when I walk as there is still pain in my ankle and it feels like my veins definitely not bone. Is it normal?
And my knee can only bend 90% till today. I still cannot walk down the steps like normal.Should i have surgery for my ACL or should I wait a little longer? Doc said it will eventually be normal again and I just need to do a lot of swimming or cycling on stationery bikes (minimal impact on my knee exercises).
I am just afraid when I grow old I will have to do surgeries to correct this problem and the risk may be higher.

[Michael L Gross, MD]

Sounds like you've had a pretty bad injury.  I t doesnt sound like you are experiencing any instability, so, I am not sure that the ACL is the problem. You already had arthroscopic surgery, and you related that your surgeon "shaved " part of your ACL, so I dont think there are any loose fibers causing your symptoms.  You did describe a patella dislocation that occured along with your ACL tear; and in fact, the symptoms you experiencing sound as if they are more related to that problem.  At this point, i dont think surgery is the answer, I would recommend further PT, for strengthening, endurance, and Range of motion.  Good Luck!

[goysuling]

Thank you so much for your prompt reply Dr. Michael Gross. It is just an assurance I needed.

Now I must concentrate on my PT.

Have a great 2011!