ACL Reconstruction VS Bracing.

[ThomasJG]

Hello Friends,

 

Around 4 weeks ago I managed a complete tear of the ACL in my right knee. Landing a twisting element on a straight leg.

At the time I didn't realise how bad it was, and my knee started to get better of the course of the next 3 weeks, until I started to feel pretty good.

I went to the physio after 3 weeks just to be sure it wasn't screwed, so I could get the all clear for training, and he wasn't happy with its stability in one of the tests, and then an MRI confirmed a complete ACL tear.

Currently I have no private health insurance. The only way for me to fund an ACL reconstruction is with a bank loan of around 8k. Or it's the public health system waiting list.

However, like I said, I didn't actually realise I had torn it, I can run and jump, I can land I can hop, I've done a couple backflips and my knee was fine.

I spoke to the sports doctor and she said some individuals can persist without an ACL without trouble, however it's a massive roll of the dice I don't want to blow out my knee completely.

I am a professional acrobat and I have a couple of gigs booked on the teeterboard in 2 months, so I guess what Im asking is does anyone have experience with ACL tears? How was your knee? Dig you get the surgery? Do you know someone who has an ACL tear who is still performing on it?

Lastly, what is a good knee brace, if I don't have my ACL, I would at least like a good brace.

Thanks,
Thomas


 

 

 

[Joshua Naterman]

I do know that this varies HEAVILY from person to person...

 

There are some professional athletes, like some American football players, who are able to play at the same level without their ACL. Others just... can't.

 

This depends heavily on your quads being very, very strong.

 

 

If you ever get the chance, it is worth the 8000 bucks to get that thing repaired, but if you're able to perform without it, you might choose to keep your engagements.

 

I would make sure you educate yourself on the types of ACL repair with the best available orthopedic surgeon in your area, for sure.

They should also be able to help you identify the best brace for your needs. They may not be happy with your choices if you choose to perform without your ACL, but a good sports clinic should still be able to help you find the right brace for you.

[Alessandro Mainente]

i got it 6  years ago.

so after i've never recovered the complete rom in flexion due to more locked knee to stabilize the joint, of course the torsional movement are limited. btw i can perform different tumbling skills, but is different, how you feel them is different then before the injury, is difficult don't think every second about your knee position in landing etc.

i wasn't able to perform without the functional ACL also i if had big quads muscles, some my friends were able to play soccer with torn ACL and big legs muscle to support the joint..

in particular movements my knee always was going out the socket..pain and swelling.

 

so my tip is get a surgery, maybe if a matter of prevention of arthrosis and safe sport activity.

[jl5555]

Is it possible to look into medical tourism in India or Thailand?  

 

What does a public health wait entail?  (trying to figure out what to expect once Obamacare fully kicks in...)

[ThomasJG]

Currently I have been referred to two different hospitals. Each one will get back to me with a letter with an appointment time between 6 weeks and 6 months.

After the consultation you are THEN put on the waiting list, which can take between 6-18 months.

Sometimes you get rad lucky, I don't know how, but it's rare.

I've made an appointment to see a surgeon recommended by my sports doc, I'm going to try and pay for the surgery up front, but get it done I a public hospital, I've heard this is a cheaper method, private surgery in a public hospital.



 

[Mark Bernacchi]

If at all possible go for the surgery. I tore my ACL 7 years ago and had to use a brace before and after surgery(I had to wait 11 months to get surgery because I was not done growing yet). I had whatever the top of the line brace was at the time and I hated it. The brace was just a pain in the butt whenever I had to wear it and it even got to the point were I'd just take the risk and not wear it sometimes. This resulted in my knee buckling a few times and cartilage damage, but I was lucky enough that it was not too bad.

Anyway that's just my two cents. I was not involved in tumbling at the time, just running for soccer and football with friends etc. but I imagine a brace would be even more annoying when form counts.

[FREDERIC DUPONT]

(...) medical tourism in India or Thailand?  (...)

 

I would certainly look into Singapore before India or Thailand...

[ThomasJG]

Anyone have any information (even anecdotal) regarding a LARS reconstruction?

[ThomasJG]

Hi everyone, I went to see my surgeon and was very disappointed with our discussion. He didn't seem to offer any advice past my first 2 minutes of research on the internet.

Anyway after a very upsetting appointment I decided to buy myself a brace and continue with my rehab program.

I then comfortably performed a series of easy tumbling, including aerial cartwheels which land on the injured leg. And a teeterboard session landing skills back to the board without any worry.

Starting to wonder whether I need this surgery at al.



 

[Chris Hobbs]

Go see another specialist. Some of them are just there to cash the checks and others genuinely want to help - search until you find the latter type. Maybe take this input back to the sports doc that recommended this person and see what they have to say.

 

- Chris