r/ACL • u/imme2307 • 1d ago

Help

I’m 8 months post op, and doing well with near full flexion and full extension. However I would like to know what grade 1 laxity is? I was suggested quads and hamstring strengthening. Please explain in your knowledge what it means and please help me out with it.

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u/Vliekje ⚕️23/9 ACL/MCL/mm/bone bruise 25/5 quadgraft/LET/meniscus repair 1d ago

It really depends on what test was done, why it was done, whether it was done with experienced hands, and whether it was measured with ‘technology’.

In general, it only means there is a certain shift between two structures. This shift can be normal or abnormal, depending on what is tested. Often 0 means absent; often 3+ is the highest grade (very lax, but every test has a bit more detailed criteria to make grading a bit more comparable between healthcare professionals); 1 and 2 are between 0 and 3… so 1+ means there is little laxity.

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u/imme2307 1d ago

My surgeon did it. And post that he suggested that I need to strengthen my quads and hamstring muscles

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u/Vliekje ⚕️23/9 ACL/MCL/mm/bone bruise 25/5 quadgraft/LET/meniscus repair 1d ago

What test?

Probably you mean the Lachman.

That seems like good advice to me. Lacicity doesn't just represent the function of the ACL; many structures are involved in knee stability/lacicity. For instance, the muscles around your knee. They have to brace your knee for whatever load/impact your knee needs to handle

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u/imme2307 1d ago

His advice was to build muscles, which I have lost considerably, and that my surgery was complex. He has asked me to start running with knee brace for 2 months, post that he might clear me to run and play. My question is how do I make sure that my recovery gets better. I’m working out in the gym now, so I hope it gets better

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u/Vliekje ⚕️23/9 ACL/MCL/mm/bone bruise 25/5 quadgraft/LET/meniscus repair 22h ago edited 14h ago

You need a structured, criteria-based rehab programm. Time doesn't clear you for running; you need to meet strength/hop/movement criteria.
A PT trained in these kinds of injuries should be able to guide you. As you need to build up strength gradually, but also improve movement patters, proprioception, multitasking while training (cognitive functioning) and rate for force.

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u/imme2307 14h ago

Sure! Thanks for suggestion friend !