ACL Avulsion Fracture: Recovery Timeline

An ACL avulsion fracture is an injury where the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is torn away from the bone it is attached to, often taking a fragment of the bone with it. It differs from an ACL tear, where the ligament is damaged but remains attached to the bone.

Avulsion fractures can be particularly painful and challenging to heal. Understanding the recovery timeline for an ACL avulsion fracture is crucial for managing expectations and returning to normal activities.

Typical recovery time for ACL avulsion fractures

Most ACL avulsion fractures do not require surgery, and you can expect a recovery period of about 6 to 12 months. During this time, the primary focus is on healing the bone and gradually restoring the knee’s range of motion and strength.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect during the recovery period:

0-2 Weeks: Initial recovery phase

In the first two weeks following the ACL avulsion injury, the focus is typically on pain management and reducing swelling. You may be advised to wear a boot or brace for comfort when walking, especially if you experience significant pain.

During this phase:

• Take prescribed painkillers to manage discomfort.
• You are encouraged to walk on your heel if that’s more comfortable, gradually transitioning to a more natural gait as pain allows. You can use crutches in this initial recovery phase.
• Practise simple exercises to promote blood circulation, reduce stiffness, and restore your range of motion.

2-6 Weeks: Intermediate recovery phase

From the second to the sixth week, the goal is to transition away from using the boot or crutches and to resume normal activities.

During this time:

• Practise walking without support to reduce reliance on the crutches gradually.
• Do exercises designed to strengthen the knee and improve flexibility.

6-12 Weeks: Advanced recovery phase

By the sixth week, the ACL avulsion injury should be largely healed, although some mild symptoms like discomfort or swelling might persist for a few more months. At this stage:

• You can return to normal activities, but remember to listen to your body and not push through pain.
• Begin exercises that rebuild strength and endurance, particularly if you want to return to sports or high-intensity activities.
• Monitor your knee for any persistent pain or swelling. If these symptoms remain after 12 weeks, contact your healthcare provider.

Follow-up and when to seek further help

Routine follow-ups are not usually necessary for ACL avulsion fractures unless there are complications. However, if you are still experiencing significant pain, swelling, or difficulty weaning out of the boot after six weeks, please consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Factors affecting recovery time

Some factors can influence the recovery time for an ACL avulsion fracture, including:

1. Age: Younger patients generally heal faster than older individuals due to better bone density and overall physical resilience.
2. Severity of the fracture: The size and location of the bone fragment involved in the avulsion can impact the recovery time. Larger fragments or fractures involving multiple areas of the bone may take longer to heal.
3. Treatment method: Conservative treatments, such as immobilisation with a brace and physical therapy, typically result in a shorter recovery time than surgical interventions, which require more extensive healing and rehabilitation.
4. Compliance with rehabilitation: Adhering to the prescribed physical therapy regimen and following medical advice can significantly affect the speed and success of recovery. Non-compliance or premature return to activities can lead to complications or re-injury, prolonging recovery.
5. General health and fitness level: Patients who maintain good physical health, including adequate nutrition and exercise, may experience faster recovery times than those with underlying health conditions or poor fitness levels.

Lifestyle adjustments

Recovering from an ACL avulsion fracture requires several lifestyle adjustments to facilitate healing and prevent re-injury. Patients may need to temporarily modify their daily routines to avoid activities that strain the knee excessively, such as heavy lifting or high-impact sports.

It is also essential to maintain a healthy weight, as extra body weight can increase pressure on the knee joint, potentially hindering recovery.

ACL Avulsion Fracture Treatment in Singapore

The recovery timeline for an ACL avulsion fracture varies depending on the individual’s injury. With proper management, most patients can recover and return to their regular activities in 12 weeks.

At Spire Orthopaedic, we take a comprehensive approach to treating ACL avulsion fractures. We provide surgical and non-surgical options and a personalised treatment, ensuring optimal recovery outcomes.

If you have an ACL avulsion injury, book a consultation today.