ACL Class of 2017

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Cruiser

Ice machine pro tip: Freeze a dozen mini water bottles and run 6 per batch through the ice machine. Our machine's reservoir is well insulted enough that the water would stay cold for hours. So 2 sets of frozen bottles was enough to have us running cycles of ice on a timer for like 15m on and 30m off almost indefinitely.

---

Excellent advice for those with the fancy ice machines like GameDay... Unfortunately, my insurance doesn't care about my recovery and wouldn't pay for one so I had to get one of the shitty cooler style ones (Breg Polar Cube, I think). It was nowhere near big enough to use frozen water bottles.

But on the topic of ice cycling, my surgeon's advice was not to cycle (i.e. just ice as much as possible for as long as possible) and just to be careful about frostbite. Anyone else get that advice? I feel like cycling on/off is the standard approach.

Amazing how slow the progress is. Mrs C is 2 months post-op and she's a long damned way from where she was before the surgery. Vibes to those beginning this process. That said, my bil is ~3y post-op acl+meniscus and says his fixed knee feels much stronger than his regular one when he's playing hockey.

^^Two months was probably the lowest of the low points for me. Ugh, hard to even think about it now. Time heals, though. It will pass. Meantime take her out for beers with friends or to a wine bar or something. Good for morale. [emoji4]

When I had my first ACL repair I was told to get an Aircast cryo-cuff. Still have it, so that is what I am using again this time. It's not super cold but works pretty well. One batch of ice lasts almost all day. When I'm sitting, I leave the cuff on then just raise/lower the cooler to drain and refill the cuff (gravity fed). Might be cheaper than some other options out there. https://www.betterbraces.com/aircast-knee-cryo-cuff Could probably get it on amazon or ebay, too.

Easiest way for me to do ice to freeze water in partially filled tupperware containers. 3 of those ice pucks plus a handful of cubes fills the cooler up perfectly. I tried a frozen water bottle but it didn't seem to keep the surrounding water cold as well as ice does.



My recovery is coming along. 3rd PT session was today, which is day 12 post surgery. Leg is now at 2 degrees for extension and 115 for bend. I set up the trainer in my living room over the weekend, and was able to do some pedal strokes. Knee was feeling tight at the top of the pedal stroke, but that has gotten better the last couple days and it is now easy pedalling. So I'll be pedalling 10-20 mins a few times a day to keep the knee loose and moving. Started light weight-bearing exercises at PT today. Getting the strength back is the hardest part about recovery, so I'm stoked to be getting to work on that so soon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbXKx4mUOkw

Tore my ACL April 15, surgery scheduled for June 19.

What are everyone's thoughts on DonJoy defiance braces during rehab and wearing it for skiing after? I really want to get one as I think it will do me a lot of good... anyone have personal experience with it?

How do I convince my doc to 'prescribe' one so that my insurance will cover it partially?

I used to wear similar braces, gave em up and never looked back. I’m a 2x L/R survivor.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ticketchecker

I used to wear similar braces, gave em up and never looked back. I’m a 2x L/R survivor.

---

Why'd you give them up?

I've noticed some people like Chris Benchetler seem to wear their brace every time they go skiing.

I never had a brace for ACL surgery #1 and did ok. But they got me one this time, a huge clunky thing that is almost full leg length. It made a big difference in terms of stability while I tried to hobble around the house the first few days without my crutches. I don't need it around the house now but the doctor has ordered a functional brace for me that he wants me to use whenever I go out, and for activities. Haven't picked it up yet, but I'll be using it especially when I get back to biking until the doctor says I don't need it. I was going to get a knee brace for moto riding anyways so I'm hoping this one can cover me for that as well.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by evdog

I never had a brace for ACL surgery #1 and did ok. But they got me one this time, a huge clunky thing that is almost full leg length. It made a big difference in terms of stability while I tried to hobble around the house the first few days without my crutches. I don't need it around the house now but the doctor has ordered a functional brace for me that he wants me to use whenever I go out, and for activities. Haven't picked it up yet, but I'll be using it especially when I get back to biking until the doctor says I don't need it. I was going to get a knee brace for moto riding anyways so I'm hoping this one can cover me for that as well.

---

Thanks, this is good info.

I'm gonna beg my doc for one then. Either CTi or DonJoy.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by macon

Thanks, this is good info.

I'm gonna beg my doc for one then. Either CTi or DonJoy.

---

I have a DonJoy custom brace as recommended by my surgeon. I have been wearing it for three ski seasons, although this year I started not wearing it sometimes. I can certainly tell that the knee/leg get more stressed when I'm not wearing it, it's noticeable (a little soreness at the end of the day that quickly dissipates), but I felt at some point wearing it ALL the time was preventing me from fully regaining some of the finer muscle strength that comes from skiing long, hard days brace-free. I do think skiing without it has helped increase my leg strength.

That said, on days with deep, heavy snow, or icy shitfuck conditions--when the old knees are really getting an extra beating--I still strap it on for peace of mind. I kind of let the conditions dictate the decision on a daily basis now.

The DonJoy a great brace. I don't mind wearing it, aside from the extra time it takes to put it on when I'm jonesing to get skiing.

I wore a brace at work for 6 months post op because doctors/work orders. Saved my ass but it really was a bummer wearing that thing. As soon as I stopped wearing it at work I felt like my progress really took off. Long story short...being forced to wear it really made me hate it.

I did not ever wear it skiing, instead I just took it easy the first year because I am old and needed to check my skiing speed anyway. I feel like next year (season 3 back in skis) I will finally be able to rage.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by macon

Thanks, this is good info.

I'm gonna beg my doc for one then. Either CTi or DonJoy.

---

FWIW, my surgeon talked me out of getting a brace until I'm ready for physical activity at my pre-injury levels. His argument was that having a brace would lead me to a) do activities I shouldn't be doing yet because the brace artificially boosts my confidence, and b) wear the brace for shit I should do without the brace, thereby reducing the muscle development of some of the smaller muscles. He agreed to give me one a little earlier than normal if I'm recovering well, but really really didn't want to give me one at this point (2 months out from surgery).

I got a custom DonJoy Defiance and wore it for most of my first season back. After I was a year out from surgery in March I started to taper off of it, and I ended the season not wearing it at all. I definitely appreciated having it for the first few months back, because I started skiing 8 months post surgery. Anyways, I'm selling it if anyone is interested in buying it.

So I had my second post op appointment today (surgery was a month ago, May 3). Surgeon said everything is looking great but then added - no biking on pavement for another 2 to 4 more weeks. PT has been encouraging me to ride the trainer ever since I could get in a full pedal stroke on about day 10, and to go out and ride pavement the last week or two. He was stoked that I did a 90min ride yesterday. Going a little stir crazy sitting at home. I think the surgeon is being a bit too risk averse. I also got chastised for not wearing brace to the appointment, which I came to from work. Had been previously told I didn't need to wear it at "safe" places like home or work. I don't want to fuck up and re-injure it, but from experience I'm more likely to do that dicking around the house than I am biking around the 'hood. So...who do I listen to? Or just compromise and ride but not for any brewery tours?

I would do what you are comfy with...wear your brace on the bike in case you have to put your leg down and be careful. I went back work full on 8 weeks after surgery. I run ramps and deal with heavy product that I have to push around. I was riding my bike for a good couple weeks before going back to work but can't remember exactly without looking it up on the thread. Take off your clipless pedals at first! Twisting out of those things was a scary nightmare.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Thanks. I use flats all the time anyways. I'll probably continue to ride. Keep it to flatter ground and no dirt. Yet. The brace isn't very comfortable to ride with but I'll see if I can make adjustments to it. I'm going to ask the PT for any suggestions thoughts next appointment.

I had no problem riding with the brace and I hated that thing. Kind of hot and sweaty but losing a healthy acl putting down a leg on a bike during a fall isn't all that uncommon...so definitely wear it for now.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by macon

Why'd you give them up?

I've noticed some people like Chris Benchetler seem to wear their brace every time they go skiing.

---

I injured a meniscus once while wearing a Lenox Hill, yeah that’s how long ago.

The braces while providing loads of support aren’t a given for protection during a rotation of the joint. They excel at side impact prevention.

That being said, my current doc who is a ski team guy is not a fan of them. So I followed his protocols and have had great results.

There’s no substitute for a healthy ACL with a strong muscle system supporting it.

YMMV

Hey class, has everyone graduated?

I've been on my board this year, taking a break from the skis until I get some new ones. Been feeling good! At first I was feeling pretty tentative, so I did a return-to-sport testing protocol that I found online (hopping, distance, and balance tests). To pass the affected leg has to perform at least 90% of the unaffected one. Mine was the same and in some cases better, yeah! So that gave me way more confidence.

There's still a mental game, learning that every little feeling in my knee isn't a bad thing and how much I can push it. It's best if I have less chance to think about what I'm doing. Last week I got some nice pow and tree runs in which was way better. Just had to let my body do what it knows how to do instead of thinking about what my knee is doing. Learning to trust it.

Yesterday I even did a few cat track side hits and got the littlest bit of air.

A few things are a bit lagging, like I am not using my back/affected leg as powerfully as I should be, which is probably mental. Sometimes I think can feel a slight weird torque like when I'm stopped and front-to-back hopping to get going, or when I ride switch it feels freaky and I can't manage more than a couple turns. I'm sure that will all come as I do it more.

I am pretty stoked with how well I'm riding considering I have barely had any riding time for the last 3-4 years, and I am feeling strong, so yay on that. I do miss touring and skiing, so a split and/or new skis are in the future.

It's been interesting to get psyched to ride groomers haha, I'm for sure a pow snob on my board. Like, oh, hmmm, why go riding if it's not pow?! Putting in the vert is what will get me back to where I want to be though, so I keep thinking of that.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sparkletarte.

Hey class, has everyone graduated?

I've been on my board this year, taking a break from the skis until I get some new ones. Been feeling good! At first I was feeling pretty tentative, so I did a return-to-sport testing protocol that I found online (hopping, distance, and balance tests). To pass the affected leg has to perform at least 90% of the unaffected one. Mine was the same and in some cases better, yeah! So that gave me way more confidence.

There's still a mental game, learning that every little feeling in my knee isn't a bad thing and how much I can push it. It's best if I have less chance to think about what I'm doing. Last week I got some nice pow and tree runs in which was way better. Just had to let my body do what it knows how to do instead of thinking about what my knee is doing. Learning to trust it.

Yesterday I even did a few cat track side hits and got the littlest bit of air.

A few things are a bit lagging, like I am not using my back/affected leg as powerfully as I should be, which is probably mental. Sometimes I think can feel a slight weird torque like when I'm stopped and front-to-back hopping to get going, or when I ride switch it feels freaky and I can't manage more than a couple turns. I'm sure that will all come as I do it more.

I am pretty stoked with how well I'm riding considering I have barely had any riding time for the last 3-4 years, and I am feeling strong, so yay on that. I do miss touring and skiing, so a split and/or new skis are in the future.

It's been interesting to get psyched to ride groomers haha, I'm for sure a pow snob on my board. Like, oh, hmmm, why go riding if it's not pow?! Putting in the vert is what will get me back to where I want to be though, so I keep thinking of that.

---

Good to hear that you're on snow, tarte

^What he said.

When you get back in skis make sure you keep your leg bent on your acl'd knee. I was making up for a lack of strength by skiing that leg straighter after recovery and it has been a hard habit to shake.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Awesome news sparkletarte, glad to hear you are back on snow!

Please welcome me to the early 2019 class. Meniscus tear according to the doc. Waiting on MRI to see if it’s worse. Hoping I’m not part of the ACL class (no offense). Either way my 2019 season is over before it began. Waaaah.


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

My wife blew up her ACL yesterday. Given that we have a 1 and 3 year old and she can't pick the kids up or get up and down the stairs, my season is looking pretty shot, too.

^^Oh man...that sucks. Hope her recovery goes well.

Thanks guys!

Been hard to motivate for groomers this week. Need some pow.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sirshredalot

My wife blew up her ACL yesterday. Given that we have a 1 and 3 year old and she can't pick the kids up or get up and down the stairs, my season is looking pretty shot, too.

---

Man that extra sucks with 1&3 yr. olds. I’ve got 2&4s and it ain’t helping. Vibes and good luck to your wife! And you too.


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mtnwriter

Please welcome me to the early 2019 class. Meniscus tear according to the doc. Waiting on MRI to see if it’s worse. Hoping I’m not part of the ACL class (no offense). Either way my 2019 season is over before it began. Waaaah.

---

tore my meniscus (completely in half) 1 year ago to date… had surgery to repair it, was out for 6 months. It's a tough recovery mentally, but you'll feel great once you're back on the snow

the type of meniscus tear i had (radial) - doc said it would have been better if i tore my acl too along with it fwiw

Good info. I may check back in with you with questions. Def. curious about the acl too comment from your doc. Why?


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

the type of meniscus tear I had doesn't get a lot of blood supply, this is also why an ACL tear also requires surgical repair. They can't heal on their own since the inside of your knee doesn't get a lot of blood. But when a doctor does an ACL graft, they're creating a new blood supply since it requires a lot of drilling into the bone to attach the ACL graft, that new blood supply also helps the meniscus.

I did not tear my ACL, but the surgeons did two additional procedures to hopefully improve the meniscus repair. The first was a PRP injection; basically taking blood plasma from my hip bone into the knee. The second was microfracture surgery; the surgeon made microscopic holes in my knee to draw bone marrow into the affected area.

If you tore your meniscus on the outer periphery, you should thank your lucky stars and be grateful for avoiding 6 months of what I had to go through.

Nope. Mine is a medial tear right along the joint line, so this is especially relevant


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mtnwriter

Man that extra sucks with 1&3 yr. olds. I’ve got 2&4s and it ain’t helping. Vibes and good luck to your wife! And you too.


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

---

Thanks for the vibes. I'm just trying to be as supportive as I can.

A couple questions for those of you who have had ACL reconstruction recently:

1. With a bad left knee, how long would you figure it took you to get to a point where you could comfortably drive a car with a clutch?

2. Is there anything non-obvious I should he doing to be supportive? She is bummed out and wants to do the work to make the comeback for next season. But she's scared of the effort she has in front of her and is worried that she won't be up for it.

Vibes shred, hope it’s a speedy recovery


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

New member as of 2/12/19. Tore my left ACL and damaged the LCL. Doc said to wait a few weeks for the LCL to heal before surgery on the ACL. Going to another doc at a clinic that does a lot of pro skiers, see what he says.

Feeling so extremely bummed about this, I had everything lined up for a great season with minimal work load. Now living in a ski town seems just like torture.
A little voice in the back of my mind keeps saying that maybe I can just get fit and do some spring ski-mountaineering before going into surgery, but this more and more seems like a stupid idea, especially with an eye out for next season, it would probably be better to just focus on next year and start the rehab asap.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by smooth operator

especially with an eye out for next season, it would probably be better to just focus on next year and start the rehab asap.

---

Absolutely agree. Get it done now and you will be ready to go next season. Those extra few months of rehab and healing will make a huge difference IMO.

But it sucks you had this time set aside to ski and this happened. Truth is there's never a good time though. Good luck whatever you do.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by smooth operator

New member as of 2/12/19. Tore my left ACL and damaged the LCL. Doc said to wait a few weeks for the LCL to heal before surgery on the ACL. Going to another doc at a clinic that does a lot of pro skiers, see what he says.

Feeling so extremely bummed about this, I had everything lined up for a great season with minimal work load. Now living in a ski town seems just like torture.
A little voice in the back of my mind keeps saying that maybe I can just get fit and do some spring ski-mountaineering before going into surgery, but this more and more seems like a stupid idea, especially with an eye out for next season, it would probably be better to just focus on next year and start the rehab asap.

---

I've had 3 ACLs over the years and speaking from experience, I don't think you would want to go thru a ski mountaineering season on a torn ACL. I kept skiing on my first one and whenever I'd hit really steep terrain it would buckle and then that would just tear up the meniscus. I probably would have been better off if I would have at least worn a brace, but they're a pain in the ass to travel with in the mountains.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

Thanks guys, I'm slowly starting to accept the reality and am leaning towards getting it fixed ASAP.

Any of you guys have experience with a repair vs a reconstruction? LIke here https://kcorthosports.com/acl-repair-olympics/

I don't see a class of 2018, or 2019, so here it goes:

37 yr old male, mainly backcountry/ski mountaineering, 40 days a season. Took a 800' tomahawk down a couloir 3 weeks ago (late January 2019). I remember the flip that took them out and my yell, it was both knees in that flip. Left: Complete ACL Tear, complete tear femoral attachment of the MCL, sprain of the pattellofemoral ligament. Right: MRI says partial ACL tear, some fibers are still there, it checks out ok in tests, grade 3 MCL sprain, small stable lateral meniscus tear, sprain of the pattellofemoral ligament.

I've been in one non mobile brace on the left side and a limited mobility one on the right in the 3 weeks since the accident. Yesterday the surgeon increased my mobility on the left side so they're the same. They've wanted my MCL to heal, hence the locked brace. Head to PT in a couple days, meet with the surgeon again in 3 weeks, then head in ~3 weeks after that.

Doc recommends to get BTB on my left side and try and do rehab on the right. "We don't operate on MRIs, you have fibers there and it stops in the tests" He wants me to do a bunch of research and I'm getting a second opinion before our next meeting. I had been under the assumption I'd need reconstruction on both sides.

It's been hard watch all my friends rip this spectacular season we're having in Tahoe. Looking forward to starting my prehab Monday and then starting the long journey back. I hope to get out there next year.

Damn geo, that sounds like quite a tumble. I too am suffering inside watching an epic season unfold here in the Alps. I live right in front of the lift so there is no escaping it :(
All I can say is accept it (tough!) and make a goal out of tackling this rehab as hard as you can. Right now I am building muscle mass before going into surgery in 2 weeks, in the hope of not loosing as much quad and hamstring the weeks after.

Keep up the positive attitude and remember, you are not alone!

wow, they didn't want to do surgery asap for that acl?

sorry to hear...I missed out on most of last year for a complete meniscus tear (had repair surgery), it sucks to sit at home, esp with the winter you're getting...get on the rehab, stay mentally strong

one of the ski instructors i work with tore his acl 10 years ago and didn't bother to get it fixed, he has some custom brace for it that seems to work well...although personally, i'd have done the surgery knowing how much instability you have just walking around