Ironman - post ACL Reconstruction

Triathlon Forum
1

Hello All,

I am getting my ACL repaired next week (10/13/14). I want to better understand what the forum thinks about ambitions to complete my first full Ironman at Mont Tremblant next August (8/16/15). I have done one half iron and many Olympic distance events, so some experience, but not a ton.

The question is, has anyone out there ever done a full event within a year of having ACL reconstruction?

You are probably saying, “you should consult your doctor.” I have. He has been a bit vague, but seems to think I could be in a position to really push my PT hard in month 4 (call it February), and be in full activity mode over the ensuing 6 weeks.

Thanks to everyone in advance for sharing your thoughts and/or experiences.

2

YMMV but my knee didn’t feel comfortable in the water for about 5 years post surgery.

Mine was patella graft though which seems to be out of fashion now.

I am not a doctor, just giving my experience.

P. S my first IM was about ten years post surgery, but I didn’t get into biking and swimming until about 8 years post surgery.

3

Hello All,

I am getting my ACL repaired next week (10/13/14). I want to better understand what the forum thinks about ambitions to complete my first full Ironman at Mont Tremblant next August (8/16/15). I have done one half iron and many Olympic distance events, so some experience, but not a ton.

The question is, has anyone out there ever done a full event within a year of having ACL reconstruction?

You are probably saying, “you should consult your doctor.” I have. He has been a bit vague, but seems to think I could be in a position to really push my PT hard in month 4 (call it February), and be in full activity mode over the ensuing 6 weeks.

Thanks to everyone in advance for sharing your thoughts and/or experiences.

I see no reason why you shouldn’t be able to get back into training within 8-10 months provided you are extremely diligent with your rehab and you have a knowledgeable sports professional. Competing in an event which will require months of training before hand will be a bit of a stretch.

4

Can’t speak to the volume required for Ironman training, but I was pretty much good to go once I got the O.K. to start running 12 weeks post surgery. I had been riding the stationary bike pretty aggressively before that. As far a swimming, I only started that about 6 months post surgery because that was when I decided to get into triathlon. But running went fine for me, building very very slowly.

I had my surgery May 2013. About the only thing I can’t do now is sit on my heels comfortably (that knee feels tight in that position).