Client Testimonial – ACL Reconstruction
Christian, Gibraltar
‘I can recommend Dr. Thomas Boerger. He explained everything clearly and made me confident to proceed. After my knee injury I was considering options, but it was clear that if I were to return to playing football and being really active, I needed surgery’, explains Christian, a client who had an AC ligament reconstruction.
Background
Christian, who lives in Gibraltar, enjoys staying fit, and loves playing football. Yet, in his 30s he was tackled badly during a league match.
‘I was playing, and when I was tackled, my knee was forced backwards; I could hear the popping sound of my knee going, it was very painful’, confirms Christian.
It was a sports injury that was to have a significant impact on his life.
‘After the injury, my leg just kept giving way’, Christian continues. ‘I couldn’t rely on it. I waited a while to see how things healed, but I had to go to the doctor. I got an MRI scan to see the soft tissue damage. That’s when it was confirmed. My ligament had been totally torn, there was a gap where the ligament should have been’.
Dr. Thomas Boerger is a recognised specialist in Gibraltar for knee and hip surgery.
When it comes to sports injuries, like that of Christian’s, it’s damage to the ACL, one of two ligaments that crosses the middle of the knee, that is the most common. Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction has therefore become one of the most frequently performed orthopaedic procedures, and Dr. Thomas Boerger has a proven track record of arthroscopically assisted 4-bundle hamstring ACL reconstruction.
The Consultations
When I had the consultation with Dr. Thomas Boerger, it was his recommendation, after the assessment and imaging, that I have an ACL reconstruction. He explained that of course I had a choice, but that if I really wanted to return to sport, then surgery was the best option.
Dr. Boerger was extremely helpful in explaining everything to me. He detailed how the operation would go, showing images and he was also realistic about the risks and the benefits.
That was what made me totally confident to proceed. I knew that maybe without the surgery I would heal enough to maybe jog, but not to be able to jump, turn and do the kind of movements with confidence that are part of playing football’.
The Procedures
‘The procedure was a success, and after being checked by the doctor, I was released from hospital the next day.
Right away I was encouraged to be active. I was shown how to use the crutches and was reassured to start walking’.
Post-Procedure Recovery & Aftercare
‘Initial recovery took maybe 3 or 4 weeks. Within a week or two I was off the crutches, and within a month I was feeling good about my knee.
My focus was strengthening my leg and my knee joint; building up to jogging, using the treadmill and then doing sports.
I had physio each week, and that probably continued for about 6 months.
Elite sports people are renowned for making swifter recoveries, but they are full time athletes, but I had to balance my rehab with work etc. but I was happy with my progress.
Results
I’ve not had experience with other surgeons or procedures, but I can say that I was very happy to have Dr. Thomas Boerger as my surgeon. I was confident in his expertise and I am truly happy with the results of my ACL reconstruction. I am back playing football.