What is Knee Ligament Reconstruction?
Knee ligament reconstruction is a surgical procedure to repair or replace damaged ligaments of the knee joint. The surgery can be performed using minimally invasive techniques.
What are the Indications for Knee Ligament Reconstruction?
Knee ligament reconstruction is usually indicated in cases of high-energy knee injuries where a knee ligament is torn or avulsed such as:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- A direct blow to the knee
- Falling on the knee from a height
- High-impact sports injuries
What are the Symptoms of Knee Ligament Injuries?
Patients with knee ligament injuries may experience:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Limited range of motion
- Injuries to nerves and arteries of the leg
- Knee instability
How are Knee Ligament Injuries Diagnosed?
To accurately detect the location and extent of the tear, the following diagnostic procedures may be performed:
- Comprehensive clinical evaluation of the knee
- Imaging studies such as X-rays and MRI scans
- Arthroscopic examination
What is the Procedure for Knee Ligament Reconstruction?
- The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia.
- Arthroscopic instruments are inserted through tiny keyhole incisions made over the knee to reattach the ligament to the bone using special sutures.
- The ligament may also be reconstructed using a graft taken from the patient (autograft) or donor tissue (allograft).
- Your surgeon will create a tunnel in the thighbone and shinbone through which the graft is inserted to replace the torn ligament.
- After the graft is placed, fixation devices are used to secure the grafts and hold the ligaments in place while healing occurs.
What Does Postoperative Care for Knee Ligament Reconstruction Involve?
Following the surgery, you will be given pain medication to keep you comfortable.
Physical therapy will be recommended for the restoration of normal knee motion and muscle strength after surgery. You will be required to use crutches and a knee brace for 6 to 8 weeks with minimal or no weight-bearing during this time.
What are the Risks and Complications of Knee Ligament Reconstruction?
As with any surgery, there are risks and complications that may occur following knee ligament reconstruction. These can include:
- Complications of the anesthesia
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Vascular or nerve injury
- DVT or deep vein thrombosis (blood clot)
- Failure of the reconstruction
