I Tore My ACL, but my doc said i dont need surgery?

Question: I play basketball often, and i would like to have surgery soon, but my doc said if my knee wasnt experiencing "buckling" or "locking"(which its not) then he recommended against surgery. my knee only hurts when i try to sraighten it all the way or try and squat down. but he wants me to get my range of motion back before surgery.

so is this normal? why would he recommend against surgery?

Answers:
because they use surgery as a last resort. Before they operate they will try therapy, anti-inflammatory meds, etc. I tore my rotater cuff....and went through therapy and pain meds for about a year. I ended up having to have surgery...but my doc delayed it as long as he could to give my body a chance to heal on its own. Any surgery, no matter how routine, is dangerous and there is always a chance for severe complications. I would be glad he didnt want to do surgery first thing....it shows that he cares about your injury and hes not money hungry. I think you have a good doc. Good luck.

Other Answers:
It is always better to be as healed as possible for the surgery. I partially tore my ACL, the Dr. did arthroscopic surgery because the MRI was non conclusive. He removed some cartilage and pulled on the ACL it seemed strong and he did not cut, then repair it. (good Dr.) I did some rehab and strengthening, had a knee brace made. It has been great so far. Surgery should only be done if it is impairing you while doing the things you enjoy

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Wait - is your doctor saying no surgery or surgery after you regain normal ROM? A complete tear of the ACL in an active person probably requires surgery. You can live a normal life without an ACL, but if you want to continue to play basketball and be active, you probably will need the reconstruction.

Reasons not to have surgery include 1) it is only a partial tear, not a complete one 2) you don't play sports which involve cutting/twisting (which basketball does) 3) surgery in general is not recommended because of your age, reaction to anesthesia, health, etc. 4) you don't want the surgery.

To get the best outcome from surgery, it is best if your ROM and strength are normal. Go to physical therapy to learn exercises to improve your knee pre-operatively.

If your doctor still does not recommend surgery, I recommend getting a second opinion. Good luck.

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Surgery is always done as a last resort. Take the advise he is giving and go to therapy to strengthen the muscle and regain your range of motion. He may recommend that you wear a knee brace and this is a good idea as well to keep your knee from giving way causing you to tear it more. Good luck.

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