I was playing basketball about 8 months ago and I tore my left acl. The doctor gave me two options, strengthen the muscles around the knee or surgury. He said that the muscles can become strong enough to compensate for the acl. However, I've done the exercises, and it hasn't be working. I can't even do a "bunny-hop" without it going out. I feel that the exercises are not working and my knee is just getting worse. So I'm wondering whether I just need to do more exercise concentrating on the knee (even though I've already been doing it for 8 months), or should I just do the surgury. Also what is the success rate for an ACL repair?
2006-12-28 08:47:21 · 2 answers · asked by jct_21187 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
Many people live normal, active lives with a deficient ACL. However, if you want to play sports, especially sports which involve cutting and lateral movements, I would recommend having the reconstruction surgery (provided you have no contraindications to surgery that you didn't state). You don't have to find another doctor - just go back to this doctor and tell him you want to explore the surgery option.
2006-12-28 13:27:55 · answer #1 · answered by realove336 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would talk to another doctor, just to get a second opinion at least. I have seen PLENTY of people have ACL repairs and seem to do just fine. It is a very common surgery, not an experimental one.
2006-12-28 08:51:23 · answer #2 · answered by John J 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋