After revision ACL surgery, when can I work, drive and pray normally?

Work

Desk-based work is often possible after about two to four weeks, sometimes with remote working at first and the leg elevated. Jobs with long standing, walking or driving take longer. Manual, site and climbing work usually needs several months and a careful, staged return. If you had a two-stage revision, plan for two periods of time off.

Driving

You should be off strong painkillers, out of any brace restriction and able to press an emergency stop firmly. For a right-knee operation, this usually takes longer than for the left, especially in a manual car. In Doha traffic, start with short, quiet journeys. Check your car insurance conditions after surgery.

Stairs, prayer and floor sitting

• Stairs: one step at a time early on, going up with the non-operated leg first and coming down with the crutches and the operated leg first
• Prayer: many patients pray seated on a chair in the early weeks; deep bending for sujood and sitting back on the heels come later, as movement returns and the surgeon allows
• Floor sitting in the majlis: use a firm cushion or low chair until deep bending is comfortable
• Kneeling: often uncomfortable for months, particularly with a patellar tendon graft

Patients can discuss the religious aspects of praying seated with a scholar.

Planning ahead

Arrange help at home for the first weeks, a chair in the shower and a clear route around the house. Tell your employer the expected stages early. Dr. Gelber gives individual guidance at each follow-up at Aman Hospital in Doha, based on what was done during the revision.