ACL surgery involves a significant recovery period marked by limited mobility and the use of a large brace. The recovery phase requires careful planning to maintain comfort and independence, especially concerning daily tasks like dressing. Selecting the right clothing before and after the operation helps manage the physical challenges presented by the post-surgical dressing and immobilization device. Thoughtful wardrobe choices streamline the healing process by accommodating the brace and minimizing strain on the body.
Dressing for the Hospital Visit
Clothing worn to the hospital should prioritize maximum accessibility for the trip home. You will wake up with a bulky surgical dressing and a large immobilizing brace that often extends from the thigh to the ankle. Tops must be selected to manage the limited range of motion in the upper body and prevent strain on the torso.
A loose-fitting button-down shirt, a large zip-up hoodie, or a wide-necked t-shirt is the most suitable choice. These styles allow the garment to be put on without pulling it over the head, which can be awkward or painful while seated or lying down. Opting for dark colors is practical, as it helps camouflage any minor drainage or staining that may occur around the incision site immediately after surgery.
For the lower body, the garment must easily fit over the large brace or be removed without manipulating the operative leg. Oversized, wide-legged sweatpants or large athletic shorts are suitable options for the non-operative leg. Some people find it easiest to wear only a long, loose shirt or a dress for the journey home, especially if the weather permits, avoiding the challenge of pants altogether. Wide-legged pants can also be cut up the side to accommodate the brace before leaving the recovery room.
Clothing Strategies for Home Recovery
Managing lower body clothing is the main challenge during home recovery while the leg remains immobilized in a brace. The goal is to find garments that can fully open along the side of the leg to be placed around the brace, rather than pulled up over the foot and knee. This adaptive approach minimizes the risk of bending the knee or disturbing the surgical site.
Specialized adaptive clothing features full-length zippers, snaps, or hook-and-loop fasteners (Velcro) running down the side seams of the pant legs. These designs allow the garment to be completely opened and wrapped around the braced limb, simplifying dressing when standing or sitting is difficult. Purchasing a few pairs of these dedicated pants can improve autonomy and reduce reliance on a caregiver for daily routines.
For a temporary and lower-cost solution, oversized basketball shorts or extra-wide sweatpants can be modified. One practical method is to cut an existing pair of wide-legged pants entirely up the outside seam and then sew temporary fastener strips along the cut edges. This modification creates a tear-away style pant that easily accommodates the brace, which is often locked straight at zero degrees extension.
Consideration must be given to undergarments and sleepwear, which should be loose to prevent rubbing against the skin beneath the brace. Very loose-fitting boxer shorts, a nightgown, or a long, flowing dress are comfortable options for sleeping. If the surgeon prescribes a compression sock or wrap to manage swelling and support circulation, this garment must be thin enough to fit smoothly beneath the brace without causing irritation or bunching.
Footwear and Support Accessories
Footwear selection is directly tied to safety and mobility during the non-weight-bearing or partial-weight-bearing phases when crutches are used. The shoe worn on the non-operative foot must provide stability, reliable traction, and a flat, non-slip sole to prevent falls. A stable running shoe or walking sneaker with a closed toe is recommended for use with crutches.
Bending over to tie laces is often impossible or inadvisable due to balance concerns and the need to keep the operative leg elevated. Therefore, shoes that require no hands for donning are particularly advantageous. Slip-on sneakers, clog-style shoes with a heel strap, or footwear with simple Velcro closures eliminate the need to manipulate laces.
Beyond clothing, a few accessories enhance post-operative comfort and hygiene. A specialized waterproof leg cover is a practical purchase, allowing you to shower without soaking the bulky surgical dressing or the incision site. This cover typically seals above the knee to keep the entire operative area dry and clean.
Other supports, such as large reusable ice packs and a wedge pillow, help manage swelling and maintain the required elevation without needing to adjust clothing.