“Can my son wait to have ACL surgery?”
My 18 year old son tore his ACL and needs surgery. But with the coronavirus we don't know when that will happen. Can my son wait to have ACL surgery?
8 Answers
OrthopaedicSurgeonOrthopaedicSurgeon
SOONER is BETTER. Try to get the surgery ASAP
I would restrict activities and do the surgery as soon as possible
It depends on the other additional damage. The longer the person waits, the more additional damage that will be caused. Ideally the sooner the better.
The short answer is yes. He should be careful to avoid any further injury. That would be the biggest risk for waiting.
It depends on multiple Variables especially if isolated or other injuries with ACL and how much it swells and can they get the knee STRAIGHT. In my experience at UK, Duke, Baylor and as a former athlete. If they can get the leg straight, minimal swelling and start a strengthening program then delay can be considered. If they have swelling, can’t get straight, then surgery is recommended As soon as Ready. The Corona virus is a Serious problem and must be respected, But if surgery is necessary and if your hospital is protecting patients like mine is then IF surgery is Indicated then further Harm can occur with Delay. The patient, family and physician should make that decision based on where their hospital is Right Now to make a Well Informed decision together
Certainly can wait as long as his knee is not repeatedly slipping/having inability episodes. Regardless, do not allow the front muscle (quadriceps) to get weak.
Usually ACL surgery is not an emergency. However, if he would have a bucket-handle meniscal tear causing his knee to lock up and reduce his motion or a loose body floating around in the knee these conditions could meet some of the the criteria of the current guidelines for having surgery now as opposed to waiting later with the current restrictions of elective surgeries under COVID-19.
As long as your son avoids any aggressive twisting running or jumping activities it is most likely safe to wait until he has the surgery
Best Regards:
Jeffrey Halbrecht MD
Best Regards:
Jeffrey Halbrecht MD
