Injured ACL in an active young male

Dear Ask The Doctor: I have torn 50 percent of my ACL in my left knee. I am going to get a second opinion. The date for my second opinion is in 2 weeks. Should I try to find a different doctor that is available sooner? Is it ok to put weight on my knee and walk on it if it does not hurt? Should I keep wearing a leg brace (the first doctor I seen said I should not wear a brace)? thanks Mike

Dear Mike:The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most commonly injured ligaments of the knee. Injuries occur predominantly in a young and sports-active population. Approximately 70% of anterior cruciate ligament injuries occur through noncontact mechanisms. Patients experience giving way of the knee when attempting to rapidly change direction. This involves deceleration, coupled with a cutting, pivoting, or sidestepping maneuver. The remainder of cases tend to occur through direct contact and often are associated with other ligament injury. Following acute injury, the major indications for surgical reconstruction are related to the degree of instability and level of activity. The aim of surgical therapy is to reduce meniscal injury by decreasing instability episodes. Activity levels can include sporting or work-related activities. Reviewing the patient profile in the history from the patient is very important in the decision-making process. Physical therapy is used to minimize pain and swelling and to regain range of motion. Nonsteroidal medication combined with simple analgesia can be used in the acute phase for adequate pain relief (“Motrin”, “Aleve”). It is not convenient that you put weight or strain your knee with a lesion as you described, keep wearing the brace and wait for your second opinion.