Cycling with a ruptured Anterior cruciate ligament [ACL]

[Pearcey]

Hi all. I was smashed off bike two weeks ago and have fractured my knee and ruptured my acl as a result. I was wondering if anyone had experience of cycling with the knee in this condition. I’ve yet to hear from the knee specialist so I haven’t had any advice on this. I feel the need to get back on a bike ASAP. Thanks in advance. Mark.

[toontra]

Really sorry to hear that, Mark. Bloody annoying thing to happen.

My son tore his ACL playing football a couple of years ago. Recovery will depend on the extent of the tear and whether the meniscus is affected. Until you get scan results and a plan from the specialist it's impossible to know. Have you been told whether surgery may be required?

The good news is even with a full tear, surgery worked well for my son and he's since qualified as a personal trainer. He did have to lay off football for a few months though!

[Pearcey]

Thanks for the reply. I’ve been told over the phone that it’s ruptured. I assumed it meant snapped but I now see that it doesn’t. I had the same injury on my other knee 21 years ago and had the reconstruction so I know it’s a long road back unfortunately. My meniscus isn’t torn as I don’t have much left of it anyway. It feels unstable if I twist slightly but the pain and swelling are easing. I feel like I could have a gentle cycle in the state it’s in now.

[liamba]

I’ve had ACL reconstruction twice in my right knee. I’m by no means an expert but once the swelling has subsided I’d be happy to cycle. Pre-op I was encouraged to strengthen as much as possible (exercise bike, leg curls and leg presses, no leg extensions) to assist post-op. In my experience, the risk of cycling outside over an exercise bike was the risk of coming off again (minimal imo), and the risk to your standing leg when stopping.

The above is just my experience and I never had a fracture.

Good luck!

[Pearcey]

Cheers for that. I think you could be right about the exercise bike. I’ll give it a whirl down the gym.

[Pearcey]

Had my first ride today. A steady 6 miles and apart from a few twinges it was all good. Will gradually up the miles over the next few weeks. It felt bloody good being back out there!

[horizon]

Had my first ride today. A steady 6 miles and apart from a few twinges it was all good. Will gradually up the miles over the next few weeks. It felt bloody good being back out there!

I don't know much about acl but I do know that that sounds impressive given what you've said. Well done!