ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT

How long will I be in hospital after this procedure? 
Most people stay in hospital for 24-48 hours after this procedure.

Will I need to wear a knee brace
Most people do not need to wear a knee brace. However, if there is some weakness in the quadriceps (thigh) muscle after this operation, a brace will be supplied which may need to be worn for the first 2 weeks after the procedure.

When will I been seen by a physiotherapist?
You will be seen by a physiotherapist whilst you are in hospital and when you are discharged. After discharge, arrangements will be made for you to have physiotherapy at a place convenient to you.  You will need physiotherapy twice a week for the first 6 weeks after this procedure, and then less frequently for 6 months after surgery to completely rehabilitate the knee.

When can I shower?
You can shower straight away after this operation.  You will need to wear waterproof dressings that you will be given in the hospital.  If they wash off in the shower, they can easily be reapplied.

When will the stitches (sutures) be removed?
The sutures will be removed 10-14 days after surgery.

How much time will I need to take off work?
Most people need 14 days off work if they are office-based; however, if you are involved in physical work, you will need at least 6 weeks off work.

When can I return to sport?
You can return to sporting activities 6 months after this procedure.

When can I drive?
You can drive again 6 weeks after this procedure.

What are the possible complications of this procedure? 
Possible complications that may occur, but are very low with this procedure, include:

• Blood clots developing in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) that can travel up to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).  Precautions are taken to try and prevent this whilst you are in hospital and after your discharge.
• Infection; the chances of this are low and precautions are taken reduce this risk.