Traumatic knee injury

Hello, I had a very bad injury to my knee in May. When it 1st happened, because of side to side movement of knee when I tried to stand, possible torn ACL was diagnosed. In Aug. new Dr. diagnosed probable Menicus tear. She prescribed mobility brace for support, also range of motion exercises. I'm unable to kneel, walk w/out a limp, lift my right leg up more than a foot. Saw her again 8/31 and she said in 2 months we need to discuss more invasive treatment if no marked improvement. Although I was impatient with the healing process at first, I'm very afraid the healing from surgery will be worse. My ? ? are; has anyone had this surgery? Healing experience? Also, if my ACL does need to be repaired, approx. how much pain/recovery time is added. I am 46 I am frustrated with pain, loss of motion. Is it better to have it fixed or might it eventually heal? Thanks

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, just because conservative management has not been effective does not mean that a surgical repair would be ineffective as well. In fact ACL reconstruction surgery has a good prognosis. It would just require 1-2 days of hospital stay; while it may be about 4-8 weeks before one can walk without support. Physical therapy would begin soon after surgery and may take 3-6 months. Pain could last between 1-4 weeks while discomfort may take 1-3 months.
Hope this helps.

Take care!