ACL Reconstruction in Mt. Washington, KY
A torn anterior cruciate ligament usually happens with a pivot, a sudden stop or an awkward landing, and it is one of the most common serious knee injuries in Bullitt County athletes. Aptiva Health Mt. Washington sees acute knee injuries the same day through walk-in injury care, and J. Steve Smith, MD performs ACL reconstruction for patients who need it.
Do you need surgery?
Active patients who want to return to cutting and pivoting sports usually do; the ACL does not heal on its own. Less active patients may do well with bracing and physical therapy. Instability (the knee giving way) is the deciding symptom.
The procedure
The torn ligament is replaced with a graft, most often from the patient's own hamstring or patellar tendon, placed arthroscopically through small incisions. Meniscus tears found at the same time are repaired in the same operation. Surgery is outpatient at our Louisville-area surgical facilities.
Recovery and return to sport
Rehab starts within days and runs six to nine months before return to competitive sport, with strength and hop testing before clearance. Physical therapy is available at the Mt. Washington clinic and at our Louisville clinics, including our Middletown sports rehabilitation clinic.
Before you decide
Kayla Troutman, PA-C and Michael Gilbert, PA-C evaluate the knee, order the MRI (performed at our Newburg Road imaging center in Louisville; physician referral required) and set up pre-surgical therapy, which improves outcomes.
Imaging and insurance
X-ray is on site; MRI, if needed, is at our Newburg Road imaging center in Louisville, including a high-field open MRI (physician referral required). We accept most major insurance plans, workers' compensation and auto-injury claims. We offer self-pay where there is no insurance, it is a non-covered service, and on a case-by-case basis.
Frequently asked questions
How soon after an ACL injury should I be seen?
The same day or next day. Walk in 8 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday, for an exam and X-ray.
Who performs ACL reconstruction for Mt. Washington patients?
J. Steve Smith, MD, Director of Orthopedics at Aptiva Health.
When can I go back to sports?
Typically six to nine months after surgery, once strength and stability testing is passed.
Can my physical therapy be in Mt. Washington?
Yes. Physical therapy is available at the Mt. Washington clinic and at our Louisville clinics.
Call 502-909-0772, walk in 8 AM–4 PM Monday–Friday, or schedule online.