Torn anterior cruciate ligament at 45 - would you do surgery?

[Anonymous]

I tore my ACL a few months ago and have done physical therapy since then. Now I wonder if I should do surgery to repair the ligament or just continue therapy. I am 45, and I was quite active before the accident (skiing, yoga, fitness...). If you have been in a similar situation, what choice did you make and why? What was your age? For those who chose not to have surgery, have you been able to ski again or do you feel constrained in your activities? Thank you all in advance for sharing your experience and helping me decide what to do.

[Anonymous]

My DH torn his, and tried PT. It did nothing, and he had they surgery.

[Anonymous]

I tore my acl when I was around your age. Of course you should get it fixed. It's outpatient surgery these days and the rehab is a lot quicker than it used to be. 45 is pretty young to quit skiing.

[Anonymous]

Thanks! Is there anyone who did not do surgery and is happy with the decision?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks! Is there anyone who did not do surgery and is happy with the decision?

Found this old post and am in the same situation. Curious if anyone has any updated info. My ortho was suggesting PT and that, at 45, could ski with a brace and be okay. As long as I wasn't an avid tennis player, not necessary if I kept up muscle strength. I just can't see doing the surgery and being off the leg for weeks and the rehab unless necessary.

[Anonymous]

My ACL is 3/4 torn and my ortho did not recommend repair at the time. Many years down the road, I have arthritis in that knee and have done many rounds of PT over the years trying to keep the muscles that support the knee strong as it is weak and constantly achy. I can't say for sure that I wouldn't have developed arthritis if I had had it repaired, but if I could go back in time, I definitely would have had the surgery.