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What is
Ligament Repair?
The surgical repair of damaged or torn
ligaments is ligament repair.
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Effects
of Ligament Repair
Ligament repair is effective in restoring the normal function
of joints or adjacent tissues after ligament
laceration.
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Candidates
for Ligament Repair
Ligament damage usually happens from sports injury. A torn
ligament critically restricts knee movement,
resulting in a person’s incapacity to pivot,
turn or twist the leg. Those individuals who
are not able to resume normal activities
with medical treatments for a torn ligament
may have a ligament repair surgery.
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Your
Consultation
The doctor will ask for a complete medical history and will
conduct a physical examination to make sure
that you are in good health before
undertaking the procedure. You may also
undergo blood tests or other diagnostic
tests.
Inform the doctor if you have a history of bleeding
disorders, or if you are taking any anti-coagulant
(blood-thinning) medications, aspirin or other medications
that influence blood clotting. You may need to discontinue
taking these medications before the procedure.
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The Ligament Repair
Procedure
Ligament repairs can normally be completed
in an outpatient setting, and hospital
stays, if any, are brief. Local, regional or
general anesthesia is administered. An
incision is made over the injury and then
the damaged or torn ends of the ligament are
sewn together. A graft may be required if
the injury is serious. Also, if necessary,
the ligaments are reattached to the adjacent
connective tissue. The area is examined for
damage to nerves and blood vessels, and then
the incision is closed. Most repairs are
successful, permitting complete joint
function.
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Recovery
As a result of restricted mobility, it may be hard for a few
weeks to continue with your normal daily
activities. You may require someone to help
you out at home. Driving is restrained until
such time your doctor allows you to. Other
activity restrictions may apply. Complete
recovery from the surgery and rehabilitation
may take quite a few months.
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Risks
As with any other surgical procedure, some complications may
arise. Various probable complications are
bleeding, infection and blood clots in the
legs or lungs. Some people also go through
pain, limited range of motion in the knee
joint and intermittent swelling in the knee
following surgical ligament repair. Others
have improved motion in the knee joint as
the graft stretches over time.
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Frequently Asked
Questions
Q:
What
are
ligaments?
A:
Ligaments are bands of tough, elastic connective tissue that
enclose a joint to provide support and control the joint's
movement.
Q: What is
the anterior cruciate ligament?
A:
The
anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is situated toward the
front of the knee. It is the ligament that is frequently
injured. Oftentimes, the ACL is stretched and/or torn in the
course of a sudden twisting motion (when the feet stay
planted one way, but the knees turn the other way). Skiing,
basketball, and football are sports that have a higher risk
of ACL injuries.
Q: What is the posterior cruciate ligament?
A:
The
posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is found near the back of
the knee. It is another knee ligament that is commonly
injured. Conversely, the PCL injury typically happens with
abrupt, direct impact, such as in a car accident or during a
football tackle.
Q: What is
the medial collateral ligament?
A:
The
medial collateral ligament (MCL) is sited on the inner side
of the knee. It is injured more frequently than the lateral
collateral ligament (LCL), which is on the outer side of the
knee. More often than not, stretch and tear injuries to the
collateral ligaments are produce by a blow to the outer side
of the knee, such as when playing hockey or football.
Q: What is
the purpose of a ligament repair?
A:
Knee ligament repair is a treatment for a full tear of a
knee ligament that results in unsteadiness in the knee.
Persons with a torn knee ligament may not be capable to do
normal activities that entail twisting or turning at the
knee. The knee may buckle or “give-way”. If medical
treatments are not adequate, the patient may resort to the
more effective ligament repair surgery.
Q: What
should I do when I get home after surgery?
A:
As soon
as you are home, it is imperative to maintain the surgical
area clean and dry. Your doctor will give you detailed
bathing instructions. The stitches or surgical staples will
be taken out during a follow-up office visit.
The doctor may recommended pain reliever to ease the
soreness. Aspirin or specific other pain medications may
augment the chance of bleeding. Be sure to take only
suggested medications. Also, to help moderate swelling, you
may be requested to raise your leg and apply an ice bag to
the knee several times for the first few days. Your doctor
will make an exercise program to aid you in recovering
muscle strength, stability and range of motion.
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