Knee Ligament Surgery

Knee ligament surgery is an operation performed to repair an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. The ACL is a ligament in the knee that gives it joint stability. ACL injuries are one of the most common types of knee injuries caused by sports, such as football and skiing. This ligament can be torn by sudden movements, making it difficult for the patient to continue exercising.

Some people who have mild torn ACL that does not have a major impact on their lives refrain from having the surgery. However, this surgery is recommended for people who are very active. If an ACL injury is affecting the patient’s quality of life, this surgery can be considered as a good solution.

Duration of Treatment

After this surgery, the patient will need six months of recovery; however, exercise should be avoided for up to a year after surgery.

Related Paraclinics

Before this surgery, the patient will undergo a physical checkup as well as blood tests or other diagnostic tests.

Preoperative Teaching

Preoperative Care

Before surgery, the patient should avoid medications such as aspirin and refrain from eating and drinking eight hours before the operation.

Surgical Procedure

This can be done in two ways: open surgery or arthroscopically-assisted. It should be noted that the latter is usually used, as it will cause less damage to the body and the recovery period will be shorter.

The surgeon first makes small incisions in the knee and inserts the arthroscope into the knee to examine the ACL injury. The surgeon now uses tissue from another part of the body as a tendon graft to repair the torn ligament. After the healing process is completed, the surgeon will examine the knee and, if it is healthy, close the incision with stitches.

The surgery is performed under anesthesia and lasts one to two hours.

Postoperative Care

After the operation, the patient should keep the surgical area clean and dry and take the medications prescribed by the healthcare provider. They will also need to elevate their leg and apply an ice bag to the knee several times per day for the first few days.

Important Facts about the Procedure

The surgery is not recommended for people in one of the following groups:

• People who have a torn anterior cruciate ligament but do not experience knee instability; they can use other treatments as opposed to having the surgery.
• Surgery is not recommended for elderly patients or patients who are in poor health.

Possible Risks

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Blood clots in the legs or lungs

Prescribed for

• Complete or partial tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament

Number of Hospitalized Days

There will be no need to stay overnight.