Knee Surgery for Ligament Tear: Treatments and Recovery
Surgery to rectify a ripped knee ligament involves substituting the ligament with a piece of healthy tendon. The tendon graft may come from the person (autograft) or from an organ donor (allograft). The surgery may be carried out with a spinal block, regional anesthesia, or general anesthesia. The surgeon may directly stitch together the torn ends or use a device called a suture anchor to may necessitate open surgery. Dr Aashish Arbat an acclaimed knee replacement doctor in Pune keeps updating himself with new skills and techniques required so that the community benefits. In this blog, he explains the knee surgery for ligament tear in details. Knee Surgery for Ligament Tear You may need to have reconstructive surgery if you tear the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in your knee. The procedure is performed to repair or replace a torn ligament. The most commonly performed ligament surgery is ACL reconstruction. In this process, small incisions are made, and a camera (arthroscope) is inserted to guide the surgeon. The procedure involves: Anesthesia, Incisions, Graft Harvesting, Ligament Reconstruction, Closure and Recovery. Ligament Tear in Knee Home Remedy Resting the knee and avoiding the activity that caused the injury. Apply a cold compress to the knee 15 minutes at a time, a few times a day. Wrapping an elastic bandage around the knee to help reduce swelling. Raising the knee on a pillow when sitting or lying down. A knee brace is used to provide external support to the joint, aiding recovery and limiting further damage. What are the Symptoms of a Torn Ligament in Your Knee? Popping sound at the time of injury Limited knee movement Swelling Sudden and severe pain Feeling like the knee is loose Inability to put weight on the knee Tenderness along the inner side of the knee Stiffness Feeling like the knee will “give out” Knee joint locking or catching Knee Ligament Surgery Recovery Time In this blog, Dr Arbat a reputed knee replacement surgeon in Pune guides you through the typical knee ligament injury recovery period from initial injury to complete rehabilitation, providing essential tips to enhance your recovery process. Mild (Partial Tear): Recovery may take a few weeks to a couple of months with conservative treatment, including rest and physical therapy. Moderate Tear: Recovery typically takes 2 to 3 months with rest and physical therapy. Severe Tear (Complete Tear): Recovery can take 6 months or longer, especially if surgery is required. For MCL tears specifically, the recovery timeline includes stages from injury to full recovery, emphasizing the importance of reducin g swelling and pain initially. How to Test for Knee Ligament Injury? Anterior drawer test: Detects injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) by pulling the shin forward. Posterior drawer test: Detects injury to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) by pushing the shin backward. Collateral ligament stability test: Checks side-to-side stability of the knee to detect problems with the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). In addition, your doctor may use X-rays and MRI scans to diagnose ligament injuries. ACL Surgery Cost The average knee ligament surgery cost of ACL surgery in India ranges between ₹1,50,000 to ₹3,50,000. The total expense depends on factors like the type of surgery, hospital category, location, surgeon’s expertise, and post-operative care. Ligament Tear Recovery Period The recovery time from a ligament injury can differ notably depending on multiple factors, including the severity of the injury, the specific ligament involved, and the individual’s general health and constancy to rehabilitation protocols. Generally, a mild sprain (Grade I) may take only a few weeks to heal, while a more severe sprain (Grade II) could need several weeks to months of healing. For total ligament tears (Grade III), the recovery process may take several months, and surgery might be imperative, which can stretch recovery time even further. During recovery, rehabilitation and physical therapy play crucial roles in restoring strength and stability to the affected area. While some individuals may see improvement relatively rapidly, others may find that full recovery requires a longer period, potentially spanning six months to a year or more in cases of serious injury. It’s important for individuals to discuss with healthcare professionals for a customized recovery plan based on their particular situation. If you are experiencing a knee ligament issue; look for Pune orthopedic doctors. Choose with confidence after reading patient reviews. Dr Arbat is the most qualified orthopedic surgeon based in Pune for your ligament tear. He is appreciated and recognized for his devotion, experience and sincerity. Conclusion A cruciate ligament injury or collateral ligament injury or having swelling and buckling experiencing pain; don’t leave it untreated. Get in touch with a Knee doctor Pune. If there is a complete ligament tear, then you might have to undergo surgery to repair the same. Your surgeon would carefully inspect the area and suggest what is best for you. Request an Appointment TODAY!