Knee Ligament Surgery

Knee Ligament Surgery
Table of Contents

Knee ligament surgery in Chennai typically involves an arthroscopic procedure, which is a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows the surgeon to access the knee joint through small incisions. The surgeon will use a small camera and specialized instruments to repair or reconstruct the damaged ligament.

Ligaments (Knee Ligament Surgery) are elastic tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect bones and provide stability and strength to the joint. A flexible band of tough fibrous connective tissues connects two bones or cartilages to strengthen the joints.

Knee Ligament Surgery in Chennai | Bharath Orthopaedics

They conjointly provide support to limit the joint’s movement. Ligaments are often damaged typically in a sports injury where the knee joint becomes unstable. A torn ligament severely limits knee movement. This ends up in the incapability to turn or twist the leg.

If medical treatments are not convincing, ligament repair surgery may be an effective treatment. Replacing the ligament with a piece of healthy connective tissues or the tendon to correct a torn knee ligament is involved. The connective tissues that unite a muscle with some other parts are the tendons.

Ligaments in the Knee

Ligaments play an important role in keeping the knee stable and enabling a person to have a full range of active movement. There are about four main ligaments in the knee which include:

  • An Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) – Helps to control the rotation and forward movement of the shin bone – which is in front of the leg below the knee and is located in the center of the knee.
  • A Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) – Is located in the center of the knee to control the backward movement of the shin bone.
  • Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) – It gives stability to the inner knee.
  • Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) – This gives stability to the outer knee.

ACL Injuries

Knee wounds can happen during sports like skiing, tennis, squash, football, and rugby. Upper leg tendon wounds are one of the most widely recognized kinds of knee wounds.

Deciding to Have Surgery

Whether or not you should undergo knee ligament surgery in Chennai depends on various factors such as the severity of your ACL injury, the presence of other knee damage, and how your daily life is impacted by the injury.

If you lead a sedentary lifestyle and your knee feels steady, you might opt out of having surgery for your ACL injury. However, postponing the procedure could result in more harm to your knee, leading to instability or buckling.

Once the swelling subsides and after trying rest and physical therapy to relieve your symptoms, your physician will review possible treatments with you and assess whether surgery is necessary.

Before Having a Surgery 

  • You’ll be requested to attend a pre-admission clinic to discuss the procedure of the surgery.
  • A physical examination. investigations and tests, such as a knee X-ray will be taken.
  • Prior to undergoing ACL surgery, wait for the swelling to subside and for your knee to regain its full range of motion.
  • Ensure your quadriceps and hamstrings are as strong as possible before the operation.
  • Failure to have a full range of motion in your knee prior to surgery may lead to a more challenging recovery.
  • It typically takes at least three weeks for a full range of motion to return after the injury.
  • Consider physiotherapy to regain full range of motion, and perform stretches at home to maintain leg flexibility.
  • Incorporate low-impact exercises such as swimming or cycling to improve muscle strength without putting too much weight on the knee.
  • Avoid activities such as jumping, turning, or twisting that may put excessive strain on your knee if you are prone to knee ligament surgery in Chennai.
  • You’ll have to discuss the tablets or types of medication you have been taking so far with the surgeon.
  • They’ll ask some questions about your teeth, like whether you wear caps, dentures, or a plate because a tube may be put down your throat to help you inhale at the time of the operation, and any loose teeth could be highly dangerous.

During Knee Ligament Surgery in Chennai

  • You will be given anesthesia and the surgeon will carefully examine the inside of your knee, with a medical instrument called an arthroscope.
  • After confirming that your ACL is torn, your surgeon will perform grafting by removing a piece of healthy skin or bone cut to the correct size from one part of the body.
  • It will then be located in the knee and fixed to the (femur) which is the thigh bone and (the tibia) the shin bone to repair and relocate. Mostly grafting is done from the inner side of your knee or from the bottom of the kneecap.
  • After the graft tissue has been secured, your surgeon will examine whether it’s strong enough to hold your knee together. They’ll also ensure that your knee has the full range of motion and that the knee is stable using the graft when it’s bent or moved. 

Post Knee Ligament Surgery in Chennai

  • After the knee surgery gets completed, the wound will be closed with stitches.
  • If the stitches are dissolvable, they should definitely disappear after three weeks, if not your stitches will be removed by a healthcare professional.
  • Your surgeon will advise you on how to care for your wound by washing it with mild soap and warm water.
  • Your knee will be bandaged with a waterproof bandage to help reduce swelling and you will also be given a try to wear.
  • You will be given painkiller medication for irritation, swelling, and redness down the front of your shin and ankle. These are temporary symptoms that will make you improve for about a week.
  • Your surgeon will guide you about a structured rehabilitation program to be followed for a speedy recovery.

Risks of ACL Surgery

  • ACL surgery completely reestablishes the working of the knee in over 80% of cases.
  • In any case, your knee may not be precisely similar to it was before the injury, and you might in any case have some aggravation and swelling.
  • This might be a direct result of different wounds to the knee, for example, tears or wounds to the ligament, which occurred simultaneously as or after the ACL injury.
YouTube video

What is the Fast Track Total Knee Replacement?

Fast Track Daycare or Total Knee Replacement medical procedure is a progression in knee medical procedure by which the patient is released in 24-48 hours after the medical procedure. This diminishes physiological and mental pressure connected with a medical procedure by improving early preparation and quick recuperation.

Best Knee Arthroscopic Surgery

Knee arthroscopy (Knee Arthroscopic Surgery) is a surgery that uses a tiny camera to check the problems inside your knee. The camera that is hooked up to a video monitor lets the surgeon see inside the knee. Two or three small cuts are made around your knee and the surgeon will place small surgical tools inside your knee through the small incisions.

Saline, a mixture of sodium chloride in water will be injected into your knee to inflate the knee. A cuff-like device is kept around your thigh to control bleeding throughout the procedure. The surgeon will close your slits with stitches and cover them with a dressing.

Knee Arthroscopic Surgery Procedures Followed

  • Before the procedure
  • During the procedure
  • After the procedure

Before the Procedure

  • Try to stop smoking or drinking to avoid the higher risk of surgical complications.
  • Always consult a doctor regarding the intake of medicines or drugs, even supplements, or herbs you have bought without a prescription before the knee surgery arthroscopy in Chennai.
  • You will be told to stop taking medicines that make it harder for your blood to clot. These include aspirin, Advil, Naprosyn, Motrin, Aleve, and other blood thinners.

During the Procedure

You will be instructed not to drink or eat anything for a duration of 6 to 12 hours before the procedure is about to begin.

Take the prescribed medicines with a limited sip of water during the knee surgery arthroscopy in Chennai.

The surgeon will give you anesthesia before your arthroscopy which may include:

  • Local Anaesthesia: Your knee may have numbness with pain medicine. You will remain awake and relaxed throughout the procedure.
  • General Anaesthesia: You will be asleep and pain-free.
  • Spinal / Regional Anaesthesia: The painkiller is injected by a space in your spine. You will remain awake however, you won’t feel anything below your waist.
  • Regional Nerve Block: Another type of regional anesthesia to block out pain so that you need less anesthesia. The pain medicine is injected around the nerve in your groin or hip which will make you asleep during the operation. Then, the skin on your knee will be cleaned to prevent surgical site infection.

The surgeon will make a few tiny incisions, called “portals,” in your knee.

Especially fill the knee joint and rinse away any cloudy fluid, a sterile solution is used because it can help your orthopaedic surgeon see the structures inside your knee clearly.

And, further, if surgical treatment is required, your arthroscopic surgeon will insert tiny instruments through other small incisions.

After the Procedure

Your surgeon may close with a stitch or small band-aids after the knee surgery arthroscopy in Chennai and then your knee is covered with a soft bandage. A soft bandage will protect your incisions or cuts while they get better.

Reconstructive ACL surgery

Reconstructive ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) surgery is a procedure to repair a torn or injured ACL in the knee. It involves replacing the damaged ligament with a graft, often using tissue from the patient’s hamstring or patellar tendon. This surgery aims to restore stability, prevent further damage, and facilitate a return to normal activities. Post-surgery, physical therapy is crucial for rehabilitation, helping patients regain strength, flexibility, and functional use of the knee.

Recovering from Knee Ligament Surgery

Recovering from knee ligament surgery involves several stages. Initially, focus on managing pain and swelling through prescribed medications and rest. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in restoring knee strength and flexibility. Gradual rehabilitation exercises, under professional guidance, aid in regaining function. Follow the surgeon’s postoperative instructions, attend scheduled follow-ups, and adhere to rehabilitation protocols to ensure a successful recovery and a gradual return to normal activities.

3 Bones meet in the Knee

The knee joint is formed by three bones:

  • Femur (Thigh Bone): The upper leg bone.
  • Tibia (Shin Bone): The tibia, also known as the shin bone, is the larger of the two bones in the lower leg.
  • Patella (Kneecap): A small, flat bone in front of the knee joint that protects and covers the knee joint.

Conclusion

Knee surgery arthroscopy in Chennai may be suggested for patients with specific knee injuries, particularly those that do not respond to non-surgical treatment which includes rest, physical therapy, and medications or injections that can reduce inflammation.

The knee arthroscopy may last for less than an hour counting on the findings of the person as it is rapid compared to the traditional open knee surgery. It is highly essential to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully after you return home.

It is advisable to discuss with a doctor if you have symptoms like bleeding, swelling, or yellowish discharge from your incisions, and additionally, if you have a high temperature, exercise your knee regularly for several weeks after the knee surgery arthroscopy in Chennai. This will strengthen the muscles and restore the motion of your leg and knee.

Read also Indian Food For Strong Bones.

Frequently Asked Questions

The recovery time after knee ligament surgery in Chennai can vary depending on the type of surgery performed and the individual’s specific circumstances. Generally, it takes several months to fully recover and return to normal activities, with physical therapy often required. More complex surgeries may also require a longer recovery time.

Knee ligament surgery in Chennai can be considered a major surgery depending on the specific ligament and the extent of the damage. The procedure typically involves general anesthesia and a surgical incision. Recovery would take several months requiring physical therapy. It’s important to consult with a doctor to determine the appropriate treatment plan.

Knee ligament surgery in Chennai can be successful in repairing damaged ligaments, restoring stability and function to the knee joint, and reducing pain. The success of the surgical treatment depends on the extent of the damage, the type of surgery, and the individual’s adherence to post-operative rehabilitation along with physical therapy.

The common ligament injuries that often require surgery include:

  1. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears: The ACL is one of the major ligaments in the knee that helps stabilize the joint. ACL tears frequently occur during sports activities that involve sudden stops, changes in direction, or direct impact on the knee. Severe ACL tears that result in knee instability and limit the individual’s ability to participate in physical activities often require surgical reconstruction.

  2. Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Tears: The PCL is another crucial ligament in the knee that helps prevent the tibia (shinbone) from sliding too far backward. PCL tears usually occur from direct impact to the front of the knee or from hyperextension injuries. While some PCL tears can be managed non-surgically, severe tears or combined injuries with other ligaments may require surgical intervention.

  3. Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Tears: The MCL is located on the inner side of the knee and provides stability to the knee joint. MCL tears often occur due to a direct blow to the outer side of the knee, leading to knee instability. Most MCL tears can heal with non-surgical treatment, but severe tears or associated injuries may require surgery.

  4. Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Tears: The LCL is located on the outer side of the knee and provides stability against varus stress (inward bending) on the knee joint. LCL tears are less common than other ligament injuries but can occur due to a direct blow to the inner side of the knee or from twisting motions. Surgical intervention is sometimes necessary for severe LCL tears or combined injuries.

The recovery process after knee ligament surgery can vary depending on factors such as the specific ligament injured, the surgical technique used, individual healing capacity, and adherence to rehabilitation protocols. However, here is a general overview of the recovery process:

  1. Immediately after surgery: After knee ligament surgery, you will be monitored in the recovery area until the effects of anesthesia wear off. You may experience pain and swelling in the operated knee. Pain medications and ice packs may be prescribed to manage discomfort and reduce swelling.

  2. Immobilization and protection: In the early stages of recovery, your knee may be immobilized using a brace, splint, or a hinged knee immobilizer. This helps protect the repaired ligament and allows initial healing to take place. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions on when and how to use the immobilization device.

  3. Physical therapy and rehabilitation: Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the recovery process. You will work with a physical therapist to gradually restore the knee range of motion, strengthen the surrounding muscles, and improve overall knee function. Rehabilitation exercises may include gentle stretching, strengthening exercises, balance training, and functional activities.

  4. Gradual return to activity: As your knee heals and gains strength, your physical therapist and surgeon will guide you through a progressive rehabilitation program. This program will involve exercises that simulate everyday activities and gradually reintroduce sports-specific movements. The timeline for returning to full activity varies depending on the individual and the type of surgery performed.

  5. Follow-up appointments: You will have regular follow-up appointments with your orthopedic surgeon to monitor your progress, assess the healing of the ligament, and make any necessary adjustments to your rehabilitation plan. These appointments are essential for ensuring a successful recovery.

During knee ligament repair, the surgeon typically makes small incisions and uses arthroscopic techniques for minimally invasive access. The damaged ligament is either stitched together or replaced with a graft from the patient or a donor. This reconstructive procedure aims to restore stability, alleviate pain, and promote optimal joint function. Post-surgery, rehabilitation through physical therapy is vital for a successful recovery and a gradual return to normal activities.