Based on Pocket Lint, trying to flex his extensive sports medicine knowledge I did a little research on the subject.
Here is what I found.
It's clear now that unrepaired anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are often accompanied by damage to other soft tissue structures of the knee. Patients are advised to have surgery sooner than later. And surgeons are advised to carefully evaluate the joint for any additional ligament or cartilage tears before doing surgery for the ACL. But sometimes patients opt out of surgery and decide to wait before having the operation. In those cases, without the stabilizing force of the ACL, do patients end up with meniscal tears that weren't present at the time of the ACL injury? That's what the authors of this study set out to find out.
Interestingly, patients who underwent reconstruction between 8 and 21 days from injury and underwent an accelerated rehabilitation program had a decreased incidence of arthrofibrosis as compared to those who underwent a conventional rehabilitation program.
Often the best time to have reconstructive surgery is immediately after the injury. This is before muscle wasting and knee stiffness has occurred. This will result in the fastest recovery.
I did find one piece of evidence that pointed to delaying surgery.
Orthopedic surgeons at Shelbourne Knee Center delay surgery until both the knee and the patient are ready. Usually, this is about 2-4 weeks after the injury.
I am going to make the assumption that the Buccaneers and Chris Godwin are in contact with fully qualified medical professionals that are making an individual diagnosis and recommendation. I am hopeful that Chris will make a complete recovery and be retained by the Buccaneers this off-season.
