Do ACL reconstructions "wear out"?

[Stebby]

I blew my knee out in 1993 and had an ACL reconstruction in 1999. This past November, after doing a workout with a bit of high impact in it, I developed what felt like tendinitis in my knee. It didn't go away after a week or so as it usually does -- it continued to get worse, to the point that I couldn't comfortably walk downstairs. Last Monday, on a friend's recommendation, I went to see a chiropractor who is also an athletic therapist. She told me I had way too much rotation in my knee, which had led to some serious imbalances. My popliteus (little muscle in the back of the knee), quads and hip flexors were way too tight, and my VMO was relatively weak and my IT band was tight-tight-tight! She worked on my popliteus a bit, and gave me some VMO exercises to do. (She is also having me roll my IT band on a foam roller, which is the most unbelievably painful thing!) I see her again tomorrow. I am hoping for some improvement over the next few weeks, but I'm getting scared. I haven't been able to do anything remotely high impact for almost two months (no plyometrics, no step - at least, not the way I like to do step, no running) and haven't been able to do any lower body work where I need to bend my knees. I can't walk very comfortably and I feel kind of crippled. I'm still doing Spinning twice a week, some swimming, lots of upper body and abs, and lying leg work, as well as whatever Yoga I can tolerate.

Does anyone know if ACL reconstructions wear out? It has been almost 10 years since I had mine done. Do people have repeat reconstructions? (Not that I want to go through another 9 months of rehab, but if I have to I'll do it.)

Stebby

 

[catr]

My husband had his first ACL reconstruction in about 1983. That operation involved cutting the knee open and suturing (or stapling?) the torn ends of the ligament together. He was in a cast for 6 weeks and had a long rehab period afterward. This type of operation eventually fails because of the lack of blood circulation to the area.

That surgery failed after about 10 years. DH then had an arthroscopic procedure, during which a piece of tendon from the knee was used to replace the ligament. The rehab period was much shorter and much less painful. He got back to jogging and backpacking and the knee is still good after 15 years.

Good luck in getting your knee problem resolved.

 

[Stebby]

Thanks, catr! That is very encouraging. Is your husband still jogging and doing other activities? May I ask how old he is?

 

[catr]

DH is 70 now. He stopped jogging about 3 years ago because of foot problems, but does OK on a treadmill. He cranks up the elevation and pushes himself pretty hard, but doesn't jog. He also works out with weights.

We still backpack. He was in his 40's when he blew out his knee during cross-country skiing.