Knee Ligament Surgery Recovery: What to Expect

The recovery procedure associated with torn knee ligament surgery varies a great deal, depending on which ligament is torn and the extent of the tear.

ACL Tear

• ACL tears usually require six weeks of recovery time, after which five months of physical therapy is needed before full strength is recovered.

MCL Tear

• The recovery process associated with an MCL tear is usually similar to that of an ACL tear, but tends to be slightly quicker.

Partial Tears

• Often, ligament reconstruction is not required and a surgery may be done just to remove excess tissue. Full strength is usually recovered in roughly six weeks.

PCL Tear

• A PCL tear usually involves three to four weeks of immobilization followed by four months of physical rehabilitation.

Stick to the Program

• The most important aspect of any recovery effort is to strictly adhere to the recovery plan developed by your doctor so you don't reinjure or damage the knee.