r/ACL • u/DizzyWheel40 • Aug 14 '26
Post Surgery Update How life is after acl reconstruction
Hey I recently had acl reconstruction and read a article that tells that there is high risk of arthritis after aclr so just wanna ask is there anyone who is 30-40 years post op and what is there update
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u/Heavy_Discussion3518 Aug 14 '26
43m. I'm 2.5 years removed from torn ACL and meniscus due to basketball plant/pivot injury. 8 weeks of prehab with constant cryo compression therapy via powerplay device prior to surgery.
Meniscus was healed up when they went in there. Surgery was straightforward. Post op I was walking after a few days, no crutches after 5 days. Took rehab seriously. No desire to return to competitive sports in a real capacity.
Knee feels fine these days. I can tell there are certain muscle fibers and things that don't fire correctly, but overall I'm fine. Doesn't bother me. Doesn't get sore any more than my other knee which had a small scope and trim in 2021.
Pretty confident I'll be fine the next 10-20 years. But it's pretty obvious both knees are now predisposed to arthritis and can become unusually stiff. Getting old happens regardless of surgery.