Torn ACL
- Thread starter Surf Zombie
- Start date
Im not sure what you mean but it is a legitimate study and there are more than one. It is honest and if I think if the truth is out there then folks can make informed decision.
It truly is. Anecdotal perhaps but my DD’s 3 teammates that suffered non contact injuries were on cycle. The dad of one of them is the one doing the research and it is eye opening. He also suggested some contact ones may be suffered during this time too. Not for my DD, though. I still have the DA game that it happened in on my computer but 4 years later cannot watch it. My DD has though.
I do not doubt the veracity of the study. Definitely something that could/should be looked into, i'm sure. I'm just picturing a conversation with my wife and daughter where I ask about her cycle and then tell her she shouldn't play today. NOT. GOING. TO. HAPPEN.
Simisoccerfan
PREMIER
On average 65 NFL players tear their ACL per year. I think you can make data tell you whatever you want. The study mentioned was only of 38 females. No mention on how they were chosen to participate which could certainly tip the results. Only 27 had cycle information. 10 of them tore their ACL immediate before or 1-2 days after. No mention if these 10 females had anything other going on that was similar that could have resulted in their injury. Facts matter. Now this may or may not be a factor but it seems silly to base conclusions on 10 injuries.
that isn't the only study.
Maybe it has a connection I don't know that is way above my pay grade. The coach asked my wife as if she is collecting data. If you have a daughter in the age group 15-19 and she tears an ACL you can ask her if she is on cycle. Either way don't be shocked if she gets asked that question. Then at that time you can tell them your thoughts on the matter
It would be so helpful to get the truth on this one way or another.
This is an extremely important and helpful article to read as to the optimal time frame to return to the field of play after an ACL injury.
Young Athletes Who Return to Sport Before 9 Months After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Have a Rate of New Injury 7 Times That of Those Who Delay Return
Young Athletes Who Return to Sport Before 9 Months After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Have a Rate of New Injury 7 Times That of Those Who Delay Return
dk_b
GOLD
This is consistent with my daughters’ orthopedist’s approach. He explains that it has nothing to do with how good the rehab is or how strong the athlete is but how the graft has healed and whether it has become a “new” ACL. You cannot really assess the graft - it will show as swollen for some time after clearance - so you use some functional testing then the data that shows a 9-month timetable (much less risk from waiting > 9 months v waiting months < 9). 9 months for one of my kids is Jan 30 and March 8 for the other but we are taking a ”wait and see” approach. We know they are getting stronger, more flexible and are working their programs. But we have zero expectation that they will be fully cleared prior to those dates (and a reasonable belief that it could be after).
Interesting study. Previously studies like this have been based on general population with widely varying rehab programs and questionable functional testing which skewed the stats. Our doc and PTs insisted that rigid adherence to time-frames is not the right way to prescribe rehab activities or assess readiness to return to play. There are just too many factors involved.
Surf Zombie
GOLD
Mine had surgery this past Monday. First 72 hours have been pretty rough. Hoping the pain starts subsiding over the weekend. She's using a continuous passive motion machine 10 hours a day for the first week that is supposed to be very helpful, plus the ice machine.
Texas2Cali
SILVER
USWNT, Chelsea women, many others starting to tailor training, recover and playing time around menstrual cycle. Worth a watch:
My dd had a tough time with pain that first week also although we didn't have the CPM. She was teased by the lack of pain while the nerve block was in play the first 24 hrs and didn't get on the oral painkillers early enough to stay ahead of it. It only gets better from here, keep icing.
Simisoccerfan
PREMIER
I agree with the 9 months timeframe. My daughter was an anomaly returning early.
It sounds like you are on the right track. After the first 5-7 days, things get easier. We stayed away from the perscription opioid pain relief and stuck with Dr. approved heavy doses of Ibuprofen and acetaminophen. It was a bit more difficult for pain management but we dint wish to introduce opioids into our kids life.
Even with all of the factors involved, the study clearly shows that the tendon just needs time to become the new ACL. As I stated earlier, we know of many who went back to the playing field prior to the 9 month threshold and suffered reinjury. We do not know of anyone that waited at least 9 months to return that has suffered reinjury. Its always better to error on the side of caution.
Also, for those who may be in the process of deciding which tendon to graph, I would highly recommend looking into the newer preferred quad tendon. There are many reasons why the quad tendon is favored over the patellar and hamstring , but its best that you do your own research and read as many independent studies as possible. Also, dont let a surgeon decide what tendon is best. They will more than likely recommend the tendon that they are trained to harvest as a new ACL.
Did you consider CBD for pain killers? Id like to avoid the opiod stuff too
dk_b
GOLD
Our doc went through the various options with us and our identical twins (2 mins apart at birth, 8 weeks apart on ACL tears, 5 weeks apart on surgeries) actually had two different procedures b/c of their specific physiologies and small differences in their injuries (but mostly their physiologies - a way in which they are not presently identical (growth plate closures)). But while I'd trust our surgeon a bit more than @Calikid's recommendation (no offense, @Calikid), I agree with @Calikid's underlying point (as I interpret it) of not just going with one just "because". I really trust surgeons who don't always look for surgical options for specific injuries and I trust ones that empower the parent with the decision-making based on information and I really trust those who are comfortable with different procedures based on the specific patient. If you are with a Dr who only recs one approach b/c of their limited training, I'd definitely rec finding another doctor.