Multiligament Repairs and Reconstruction
What Are Multiligament Repairs?
Multiligament repairs and reconstruction are specialized surgical procedures designed to address injuries affecting multiple ligaments within the knee joint. These complex injuries often result from traumatic events—think sports accidents, falls, or high-impact collisions. Such injuries can lead to significant instability in the knee, making everyday activities challenging and impacting your quality of life. These procedures aim to restore function and stability so you can resume your favorite active lifestyle.
When is Multiligament Surgery Necessary?
There are a few key situations where multiligament surgery may be necessary:
● Severe Knee Instability: After experiencing a traumatic event, you might find that your knee feels unstable, especially during activities like running or jumping. If multiple ligaments are injured, surgical intervention may be essential to restore normal knee function.
● Combined Ligament Injuries: Sometimes, injuries involve several ligaments at once, such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and collateral ligaments. In such cases, surgery is often required to optimize recovery and
regain stability
The Procedure
Here’s what you can expect during a multiligament repair:
● Preparation: When you arrive at the operating room, the team will ensure you’re comfortable. Anesthesia will be administered, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
● Incisions: In order to reach your knee, the surgeon will make a number of tiny incisions around it.
● Repair and Reconstruction: Your surgeon will carefully evaluate each ligament injury to decide the best course of action. Ligaments that are still intact may be stitched together, while those that have sustained more severe damage might need to be reconstructed using grafts—either from your body or a donor.
Recovery
Recovering from multiligament surgery is a process that requires time and dedication:
- Extended Immobilization: Compared to procedures for single-ligament injuries, your knee may need to be immobilized for a longer duration.
- Intensive Physical Therapy: over physical therapist will work closely with you to develop a
personalized plan that focuses on restoring stability, strength, and mobility in your knee. - Return to Activities: The timeline for returning to high-impact sports or activities can vary widely based on the severity of your injuries and your healing progress. Generally, it could take anywhere from 9 to 12 months or even longer before you can jump back into the activities you love.
