Broken anterior cruciate ligament?

[hobblehound]

22 days ago I broke my ant. cruciate ligament, tore the medial collateral ligament and possibly damaged a meniscus. Am still in a brace locked at 0 - 45 degrees and wondering if I should be starting to try and move it or still keep the brace on? How long does it normally take to get back to 'normal' everday range of movement? Am a female in my early 40's. Thanks!

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi again!

Yes, I would certainly suggest getting this evaluated by an orthopedician with the detailed MRI report, for an expert opinion. A repeat MRI would not be necessary. Meanwhile rest, leg elevation and ice-packs (if inflamed and swollen) and NSAIDS may help relieve the discomfort. You could use a crepe bandage as well to restrict mobility.
Hope this is useful.

Take care!

[hobblehound]

Thanks for your reply and you're right. In fact I've begun searching for a specialist as the hospital doctor has only advised me to operate ' in the future' and didn't think it was necessary to do another MRI to see the exact state of the ligaments or even that I should do any particular exercises to assist in recovering movement. Was left feeling quite perplexed. In the meanwhile I'm still putting ice on it twice a day for 10 to 15 minutes and trying to elevate it when possible.
kind thanks

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, this would b a difficult question to answer without knowing the relevant clinical detail like the extent/ details of injury, associated complications if any, post injury management etc. It would be best to discuss the situation in detail with your treating doctor.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!