What You Need To Know About Ligament Reconstruction

Ligaments are tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect bones to other bones. They provide stability and support to the joints. However, ligaments are still prone to injury, especially in active individuals.

If you have a ligament tear and the damage is severe, your doctor may recommend ligament reconstruction.

Raleigh Orthopaedic Surgery Center has an experienced team of orthopedic surgeons in Raleigh who can assess ligament reconstruction needs. If you have had a ligament injury, it is essential to be informed about your options.

What is a ligament?

A ligament is a tissue that connects bone to bone. Sometimes, people are unsure of the difference between a ligament and a tendon. In comparison, a tendon is a tissue that connects muscle to bone.

Ligaments are yellow fibrous connective tissue found in joints. You have ligaments in several joints:

Knees
Ankles
Elbows
Shoulders

Damage to ligaments results in instability around the joint. Most commonly, ligament injuries are the result of sports.

Sports that involve stopping and starting, such as skiing, gymnastics, or football, are more likely to injure a ligament. An ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) repair is a common ligament reconstruction surgery.

Ligaments can also be damaged as a result of accidents or wear and tear. If left untreated, ligament damage can lead to chronic instability and osteoarthritis. Ligament reconstruction is recommended when ligaments are too weak or damaged to repair.

What is ligament reconstruction?

Ligament reconstruction is often recommended for people who have suffered a severe ligament injury that has not healed on its own. This may occur after a sports injury, accident, or chronic overuse.

With ligament reconstruction surgery, a harvested tendon replaces the damaged ligament. The tendon may be your own or from a deceased donor. The surgeon makes small incisions around the joint to make the repair.

Ligament reconstruction is typically an outpatient procedure performed by an orthopedic surgeon.

How can I prepare for a ligament reconstruction surgery?

If your doctor has recommended ligament reconstruction, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the surgery.

First, you will need to have a physical examination to assess the extent of your injury. You may also need to undergo imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to confirm the diagnosis.

Once your doctor has determined that you are a good candidate for ligament reconstruction, you will need to make arrangements for your surgery. This includes the following:

Following a healthy diet.
Get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activities.
Discontinuing certain medications or supplements as instructed by your doctor.
Scheduling time off from work
Finding a caregiver
Arranging transportation to and from the hospital.

What happens during ligament reconstruction surgery?

Ligament reconstruction surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. This means that you will be asleep during the procedure. Here’s a run-down of what normally happens during the surgery:

Your surgeon will make an incision over the injured joint. They will then repair or replace the damaged ligament using a graft.
A graft is a piece of tissue taken from another part of your body or a donor.
The graft is attached to the bones on either side of the joint using specialized screws or anchors.
Once the ligament has been repaired or replaced, your surgeon will close the incision with stitches or staples.

You will then be taken to a recovery room to monitor your vital signs. Most patients may get discharged a few hours after the surgery.

What should I expect after ligament reconstruction?

After surgery, it’s important to follow a structured recovery and rehabilitation plan to ensure a successful outcome. This process typically involves several phases:

Immediately after the surgery

Your team will work with you to address mobility before you go home. You may leave with a brace or crutches to help you walk.

The doctor will explain what you can do to reduce swelling and control pain. Elevation, ice, and rest are crucial for successful healing. Medications are recommended and prescribed to help with pain control.

Early rehabilitation

A physical therapist will guide you through gentle exercises to improve your range of motion, strength, and stability.

Remember, do not be too quick to bear weight on the repaired area. Follow doctor recommendations for when it is safe to increase activity. Be okay with having assistance for a while as you heal.

Late rehabilitation phase

Physical therapy after surgery will help strengthen the muscles around the surgical repair and increase flexibility.

As your leg heals, you will gradually increase the intensity of your exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint. Your physical therapist may also focus on functional or sports-specific training (if needed) during this time.

Follow all recommendations of your therapist to have the best outcome after surgery. By following your plan of care, you’ll be able to return to sports or activities of daily living with success.

What are the risks and possible complications of ligament reconstruction?

As with all surgeries, there are risks involved. Concerns with ligament reconstruction include:

Bleeding and infection at the surgical site
Pain or stiffness in the joint
Issues with graft healing or graft failure

Success in healing is greatly improved by following pre- and post-surgical recommendations.

What is the success rate of ligament reconstruction?

Studies show that ligament reconstruction has a 95% success rate, mainly if it is performed to treat ACL damage. However, the success of the procedure still varies depending on the type of ligament injury, the surgical technique used, and the patient’s individual factors.

Raleigh Orthopaedic Surgery Center: Your Trusted Partner in Care

Raleigh Orthopaedic Surgery Center is both the largest and most modern ambulatory surgery facility in Eastern North Carolina that specializes exclusively in orthopedics. Our patients receive outstanding patient satisfaction, superior clinical outcomes, and reduced costs.

Our Raleigh orthopedic surgeons are board-certified physicians with advanced training in their respective subspecialties. They perform more than 9,000 outpatient orthopedic procedures annually.

Our team is committed to providing exceptional care and support throughout your journey—from injury to recovery. We focus on patient-centered care and advanced surgical techniques and are dedicated to achieving optimal outcomes in our outpatient surgical center.

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.