Structure :
Knee
This phase involves specific post-operative care, rehabilitation and regular follow-up visits to ensure optimal recovery.
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Make an appointment now with Professor Etienne Cavaignac, orthopaedic surgeon specializing in knee surgery and sports traumatology.
Discover the ACL surgery recovery time: from post-surgery bandaging and wound healing to getting back to work and normal activities. The recovery phase after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery is crucial for the long-term success of the operation.
Self-rehabilitation is essential, and you must regain control of your knee immediately after the operation.
This phase involves immediate postoperative care, rehabilitation, and medical follow-ups to ensure optimal recovery. Professor Cavaignac will guide you through the different stages of recovery, providing advice for each phase.
In the hours following ACL surgery, recovery usually begins with patients being moved to the recovery room where the medical team monitors their vital signs closely and manages their pain. Your surgeon, Professor Cavaignac, will visit you after the operation.
Pain after ACL reconstruction surgery can be intense. Pain management generally includes opioid and non-opioid analgesics and may be supplemented by anti-inflammatory medications. Other forms of pain management, such as nerve blocks, may be used.
During the first 24 to 48 hours post-surgery, patients typically begin light activities to stimulate circulation and reduce the risk of complications like blood clots. Post-operative ACL mobility exercises, such as moving the toes, contracting the leg muscles, and performing deep breathing exercises, are encouraged.
In the early postoperative phase, dressings are inspected regularly and changed by a nurse to prevent infection and monitor the incision's healing. Keeping the incision clean and dry is essential, which may require you to care for the incision at home. After ACL surgery, dressings must be applied and changed following strict standards to prevent infection to the ACL surgery scar.
The recovery after ACL surgery requires careful attention to the healing process.
Patients should be informed about the normal signs of healing after ACL surgery as well as the symptoms indicating a potential infection:
Orthense is an innovative digital platform specifically designed to support patients who have undergone orthopaedic surgery. This advanced technology ensures personalized follow-up throughout the patient's care pathway, from pre-surgery preparation to post-operative rehabilitation. Its use ensures that ACL healing proceeds as expected.
It's important to know that the ACL post-surgery recovery timelines vary depending on individual factors and the specific surgical procedure.
The recovery phase after ACL surgery is a crucial period during which rigorous follow-up is essential to optimize your healing. Here is an overview of what you can expect during this period:
Physiotherapy begins as soon as possible after ACL surgery, with light exercises to encourage blood circulation and prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis. These exercises often include passive or assisted movements, allowing the knee to move without bearing weight.
Your physiotherapist, in partnership with the Orthense platform, will guide you through these initial steps in your ACL replacement surgery recovery. Orthense will provide clear instructions and exercises tailored to your condition, accessible directly from your smartphone or tablet.
As healing progresses, exercises become more intensive to help restore strength, mobility, and balance. The physiotherapist plays a crucial role in adjusting the rehabilitation programme according to the pace of your ACL recovery.
After an ACL surgery, the healing time can vary. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is part of the recovery process. A balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins C and E, zinc, and iron is crucial for supporting tissue healing. Patients should also stay hydrated to help reduce inflammation and speed up healing.
Adequate sleep is important for recovery, as is stress management, because stress can negatively affect healing. Relaxation techniques or gentle activities like meditation can be beneficial.
Caring for the ACL surgery scar after the procedure is an essential part of the recovery process. Proper wound care includes keeping the incision clean and dry, and following your surgeon’s instructions regarding bandages and stitches. Applying the prescribed ointments and changing the dressings as directed can help prevent infections and promote healing. Monitoring the scar for excessive redness, swelling, or discharge, is vital. Additionally, protecting the ACL reconstruction surgery scars from sun exposure can minimize scarring and ensure better cosmetic outcomes.
It is also crucial to recognize the signs of serious complications such as blood clots or infection. In case of increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth to the touch, patients should immediately contact their surgeon by email (contact@professeur-cavaignac.com).