Knee ligament surgery
Surgical information leaflet:
Why would knee ligament surgery be needed?
Ligaments are strong, fibrous elastic tissue structures that connect bones to other bones in the body. Together with tendons, which connect bones to muscles, ligaments are important for joint movement and mobility.
There are four knee ligaments, namely; the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). Each of these ligaments connects differently in the knee and are susceptible to injury. When knee ligaments tear due to trauma, knee ligament surgery is required to effectively treat the condition. The most commonly injured ligament is the ACL, which connects the thigh bone to the shin bone.
Symptoms of knee ligament injuries include:
- Sudden knee pain
- Inability to put weight on injured knee
- Swelling at the site of injury
- Loose feeling in knee joints
- Pop or snap when injury to the knee occurs
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How is it done?
Though knee ligaments can heal on their own if they’ve been mildly injured, complete tears have to be treated with surgery. Most often, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the front of the knee suffers tearing due to impact or twisting during sporting activities or accidents.
During knee ligament repair surgery, Dr Oosthuizen will work to replace the affected knee ligament with a tendon from elsewhere in the body. Usually, this tendon is taken from the knee or thigh. A torn ligament cannot be stitched back together and, therefore, requires replacing. Dr Oosthuizen will perform this procedure arthroscopically with minimally invasive incisions to remove the necessary tendon and reinforce the torn knee ligament. During this process, either general or spinal anaesthesia will be used, depending on the patient’s specific needs.
Staples or screws will be used to attach the tendon to the affected bones. If the ACL was injured, the tendon will be attached to the thigh and shin bones. The tendon will then serve as the new ACL ligament.
What can be expected after surgery?
Minimally invasive wounds associated with arthroscopic or keyhole surgery heal faster and are less painful than open surgery wounds. Knee ligament surgery is usually a same-day procedure. You will remain in hospital for a few hours for observation before being discharged. Dr Oosthuizen will advise you on how to care for your knee as it heals and adapts to the new ligament. During your recovery period, you may need to wear a knee brace, walk using crutches and keep your leg elevated on occasion. You will be given pain relievers and anti-inflammatories to help manage discomfort as well. A follow-up appointment with Dr Oosthuizen will be arranged to remove stitches.
As part of your recovery process, Dr Oosthuizen will also recommend physical therapy to help regain strength in your knee. Full recovery is expected at least six months after knee ligament surgery.
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The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) may be injured during a sudden twisting motion. Skiing, basketball and football are sports that may have a higher risk of ACL injuries. Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury may occur due to sudden, direct impact like a car accident or during a football tackle. Other ligament injuries may occur due to a force pushing the knee sideways, arthritis or ageing.
Normally, the best time to have reconstructive surgery is immediately after the injury. This will result in the fastest recovery.
The anterior cruciate ligament is responsible for providing stability to the knee, especially for twisting, turning and change of direction activities. After an ACL tear, your knee will be sore, but the pain may settle provided there are no other injuries. This may result in knee instability.
