Torn Knee Ligament Repair Surgery

Your knee is the largest joint in your body, which also makes it vulnerable to injury or other problems. Sports, exercise, and general wear and tear can cause muscle strains, tendinitis and serious ligament injuries. Without proper treatment, this can lead to long-term knee pain, swelling and instability, making it difficult to turn or walk comfortably on your leg.

If a severe knee injury prevents you from living an active life, surgery may be your best solution. At Beaufort Memorial, our orthopedic surgeons specialize in arthroscopic knee ligament repair and reconstruction, a minimally invasive procedure that can help you get back faster to the activities you love.

Find an orthopedic surgeon who can repair your torn knee ligament.

About Knee Ligament Injuries

Ligaments are tough bands of connective tissue that stabilize the joint. The four major ligaments in the knee include:

• The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which allows the tibia (shin bone) to rotate and move forward. The ACL is the most commonly injured ligament, accounting for more than 40% of all sports injuries.
• The lateral collateral ligament (LCL), which stabilizes the outer knee. LCL injuries can occur with sharp changes in direction.
• The medial collateral ligament (MCL), which stabilizes the inner knee. Injuries are often caused by blows to the knee.
• The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), which allows the tibia to move backward. PCL injuries generally occur as a result of a direct, sudden impact, such as in a car accident.

For mild or partial ligament tears, Beaufort Memorial surgeons usually first recommend nonsurgical options, including rest, medication, physical therapy or knee bracing, which may allow the joint to heal over time. But, if the knee ligament is completely torn and even basic movements are limited, surgery may be necessary for long-term stability and relief.

Arthroscopic Surgery Techniques for Less Pain, Faster Recovery

Our skilled orthopedic surgeons can diagnose and repair the majority of knee ligament injuries arthroscopically. This technique uses tiny tools and a camera inserted around the joint to assess and repair the damaged area.

During an arthroscopic procedure, the torn ligament from your knee gets replace using donated tissue or a healthy tendon from somewhere else in your body, also called a graft. Knee arthroscopy often offers many benefits compared with open surgery, including:

• Fewer complications
• Less postoperative pain
• Less scarring
• Minimal damage to surrounding soft tissues
• Quicker recovery and return to regular activities

At Beaufort Memorial, we usually perform knee arthroscopy on an outpatient basis, allowing you to leave the hospital the same day and recover comfortably at home.

Recovering After Knee Ligament Repair: Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy

A few weeks after surgery, our skilled physical and occupational therapists will work with you to create a personalized rehabilitation plan based on your unique needs and goals. Your plan may include home exercises and other techniques to restore range of motion and balance and strengthen muscles. We also place special focus on education to protect your knee moving forward and help prevent reinjury. If your injury is related to sports, our team of sports medicine specialists can work with you to help regain sport-specific skills.