One of the more devastating injuries that can happen to a football player is a torn acl (anterior cruciate ligament) in the knee. That’s what has happened to Brian Brohm of the Louisville Cardinals. He tore the ligament in a game against Syracuse on November 26, 2005.The Louisville Cardinals did win the game 47-17, but I am sure they would have rather had their quarterback uninjured.
Brian had successful surgery to repair the anterior cruciate ligament on December 5, 2005 at Jewish Hospital in Louisville, KY.
Recovering from a torn ACL takes anywhere from 6-9 months as the knee needs to regain strength and flexibility. The 6-9 month time frame puts him back on the field in time for the 2006 season.
Treat Your Own Knees: Simple Exercises to Build Strength, Flexibility, Responsiveness and Endurance
Rehabilitation of the torn ACL is a total leg event, meaning that the focus isn’t just on the knee. Since the knee is a hinge type joint, it’s important to start rehabilitation right after the surgery by gentle motion, leg raises and quadriceps exercises. Most patients will not want to begin rehabilitation due to the pain involved. Remember that it’s just as important to exercise and strengthen the quadriceps to avoid muscle atrophy.