Post-operative course, risks, and complications of an ACL reconstruction

Pain, swelling, and quadriceps inhibition are expected to varying degrees. Weight-bearing, brace, and range of motion depend on associated procedures and instructions.

The usual priorities are safety, recovery of extension, control of swelling, and progressive walking.

Infection, phlebitis, stiffness, persistent pain, sensory issues at the harvest site, cyclops lesion, and re-rupture are possible. Their frequency depends on the context.

Residual laxity or difficulty in regaining the previous level may occur despite an intact graft.

• Know the procedure to follow in case of fever or abnormal wound.
• Apply the prescribed thromboembolic prevention measures.
• Report any persistent loss of extension.

Fever, discharge, increasing redness, sharply worsening pain, swollen calf, or shortness of breath require urgent contact.

Trauma, a new popping sensation, or sudden swelling must be re-evaluated, without concluding on a rupture by yourself.

Before leaving, identify the number to call during the day, the point of contact after hours, and the symptoms that require calling 112. Instructions regarding dressings, showering, weight-bearing, and medication must be understood.

Ask what is typical for your specific procedure: a meniscal repair or another associated procedure can significantly modify the first weeks.

• Keep the team's contact details accessible.
• Do not wait for the next appointment if an alert sign appears.

The first few days may involve fatigue, variable pain, bruising, and swelling. Their presence is not enough to classify a complication; the trajectory, intensity, associated signs, and the surgeon's instructions are what count. After an associated procedure, certain limits are intentional. Keeping the surgical report and written instructions avoids comparing your situation to a post-operative account found online.

Ask which symptoms are expected for your procedure, which wound progression should be monitored, and who to contact at night or on weekends. Report precisely how long a symptom has been changing, what improves or worsens it, and the medications already taken.

These benchmarks serve to prepare a clinical discussion and to understand the possible choices. They do not allow for remote conclusions regarding a lesion, treatment, or timeline: the context, examination, and any associated procedures remain decisive.

To delve deeper into "Post-operative course, risks, and complications of an ACL reconstruction", review the elements from the "The first weeks" and "General and specific risks" sections with your own timeline. It is useful to separate what is certain—date of injury, surgical report, triggering activity—from what remains an impression, such as the feeling of weakness or giving way. This distinction makes the information easier for the team to interpret.

The cited publications describe populations and trends; they do not replace the instructions of the team that knows your case. During the consultation, ask how general information applies to your situation, what limitations it has, and what sign would justify contacting them before the scheduled follow-up.

After the discussion, note the next step, the person to contact, and the symptoms to monitor. If an answer seems contradictory to a report or written instruction, ask for clarification rather than changing weight-bearing, activities, or medications on your own.

• Aspetar 2023. Clinical Practice Guideline on Rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction.
• AAOS 2022. Management of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries — Clinical Practice Guideline.
• BJSM 2022. OPTIKNEE consensus recommendations to optimise knee health after traumatic knee injury.
• CDC. Blood Clots and Surgery: what to know.