ACL reconstruction can typically be delayed for several weeks to a few months, with 8 weeks often cited as a safe, or even beneficial, waiting period to reduce inflammation. However, delaying surgery beyond 6 months significantly increases the risk of further, irreversible damage to the knee’s meniscus and cartilage.

What happens if you delay ACL surgery?

reported that a delay of ACL reconstruction of more than 3 months was associated with a greater rate of medial meniscus tears. A delayed ACL reconstruction may also decrease patients' motivation to return to sport, and motivation has been shown to influence the rate of return to preinjury activity levels.

Is 9 months the sweet spot for ACL?

Competitive athletes were three times more likely to complete rehabilitation within 9 months. There was no increased risk for new knee or ACL injuries whether athletes returned before or after the 9-month mark.

How long can I go without ACL surgery?

For those with a partial tear, the partial ACL tear recovery time without surgery typically ranges from 3 to 6 months. During this time, the focus is on reducing inflammation, improving knee stability, and gradually increasing mobility through physical therapy.

How bad does an ACL tear have to be to get surgery?

If you don't need to return to such movements, the joint can often be stabilized and strengthened with proper physical therapy. Pain: Your pain level is a key determinant in whether or not surgery is needed. ACL tears, even at grade 2, may warrant surgery if pain is severe.

How long can you delay ACL surgery?

How long can you wait for ACL tear surgery?

Åhlén and colleagues20 found that patients who underwent reconstruction within 5 months of injury had better outcomes on the Lysholm Knee Questionnaire and Tegner Activity scale as compared to patients who waited at least 24 months to have surgery.

When did Tom Brady tear his ACL?

Tom Brady tore his ACL and MCL in his left knee during the first game of the 2008 NFL season (September 7, 2008) against the Kansas City Chiefs, an injury inflicted by a hit from defender Bernard Pollard that ended his season and sidelined him for the entire year.
 

Can you walk if your ACL is completely torn?

Can you walk with a torn ACL? The short answer is yes. After the pain and swelling subsides and if there is no other injury to your knee, you may be able to walk in straight lines, go up and down stairs and even potentially jog in a straight line.

Can ACL fully heal without surgery?

But full ACL tears cannot be healed without surgery. If your activities do not involve making pivoting movements on the knee, physical therapy rehabilitation may be all you need. Special exercises may help train the musculature around the knee to compensate for the torn ACL and stabilize the joint.

How did Mark Zuckerberg tear his ACL?

Mark Zuckerberg tore his ACL during a sparring session while training for a competitive mixed martial arts (MMA) fight in late 2023, sustaining the non-contact injury from an awkward movement that involved twisting his planted leg, leading to surgery and delaying his planned fight.
 

How to tell ACL retear?

What are the signs and symptoms of ACL Retear

1. Persistent knee instability or “giving way” during pivoting, cutting, or jumping.
2. Recurrent pain or swelling, particularly after activity.
3. Reduced range of motion or difficulty fully extending or flexing the knee.
4. Clicking, popping, or mechanical symptoms.

Can I walk on a torn ACL before surgery?

Athletes will most commonly use crutches to help walk in the days immediately following your ACL injury. But, typically you can walk with a torn ACL after the first few days upon injury. In fact, one of the goals of pre-operative physical therapy before ACL surgery is to restore your normal walking pattern!

When do most ACL re tears occur?

Gradual Return to Sport: Rushing back to high-impact sports too soon is a common cause of ACL retears. Athletes should follow their healthcare provider's recommendations regarding return-to-play timelines, often waiting 9 to 12 months post-surgery, depending on their recovery progress.

How to stay in shape with a torn ACL?

After an ACL injury, you might start with a few exercises, such as quad sets, hip flexion exercises, and heel slides. As symptoms decrease and you are able to bear weight, you might do other exercises, such as hip abduction exercises, glute sets, bridging, shallow standing knee bends, heel raises, and hamstring curls.

How bad is a fully torn ACL?

If the ACL is completely torn, there will be instability in the knee that will cause feelings of sudden shifting or buckling. People will be unable to: jump and land on the knee. accelerate and then change directions.

When can I walk without a brace after ACL surgery?

It is usually appropriate to discontinue the use of the brace after two weeks. It may be possible to use only your crutches (without the brace) for a short time period to prevent any abnormalities with your walking pattern. In some cases, continued use of the brace alone (without the crutches) is appropriate.

How did Patrick Mahomes tear his ACL?

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes tore the ACL in his left knee against the Los Angeles Chargers on Dec. 14. The injury was caused by hyperextension.

When did Rob Gronkowski tear his ACL?

Gronkowski broke his forearm Nov. 18, 2012, and tore his ACL on Dec. 8, 2013.

Can a quarterback come back after a torn ACL?

Joe Burrow

Instead, Burrow returned for the 2021 season and led Cincinnati to their first Super Bowl appearance, earning a reputation as one of the league's most resilient quarterbacks. His performance post-ACL showed that not only can quarterbacks return to form, but they can also reach new heights.

Can ACL grow back?

Most authors believe the ACL does not spontaneously heal after a complete rupture. Although several studies have reported spontaneous healing of torn ACLs, it is difficult to determine its healing potential and whether patients will be able to return to sports activities.

What are alternatives to ACL surgery?

Whereas Grade 1 and 2 tears usually don't require surgery, surgery is more common for Grade 3 tears. Alternatives to ACL surgery can include physical therapy, using a brace, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and stem cell therapy.

---