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Reconstruction of the cruciate ligaments of the knee joint

Duration of healing : 6-12 months

What is cruciate ligament reconstruction of the knee?

This is a new generation procedure, during which, after the application of two implants, the daily comfort of movement is returned to the patients.

The cruciate ligaments of the knee joint perform a very important function: they keep the tibia in the correct position in relation to the femur, prevent it from moving too far forward or backward, and ensure rotational stability of the knee joint. The stability and quality of movements of the entire knee joint directly depends on the condition of these ligaments.

Unfortunately, cruciate ligament tears in the knee joint are a fairly common injury. Instability, pain, swelling of the knee joint is felt, constant discomfort is experienced, which prevents easy movement and sports activities. Without treatment, the risk of repeated injuries increases, and complications such as osteoarthritis of the knee joint are possible.

Today, more and more scientific studies recommend the surgical treatment of cruciate ligament tears by anatomical reconstruction of these ligaments.

Who can have knee cruciate ligament reconstruction?

This operation is usually performed on active, working-age patients after assessing the person's level of physical activity, extent of injury, general physical health, and identifying risk factors that may influence the results of surgical treatment.

How to prepare for surgery?

This is a surgical procedure that usually involves the use of regional anesthesia. Before the operation, it is recommended to give up bad habits, because alcohol and tobacco can affect the body's recovery and healing. Targeted consultation of a rehabilitator or physiotherapist regarding physical preparation before and after surgery. General health examinations are recommended before surgery.

How is knee cruciate ligament reconstruction performed?

Ligament reconstruction is performed in our clinic under the control of an arthroscope. It is an optical device connected to a video camera, with the help of which we can assess damage to joint structures and control manipulations inside the joint.

The use of an arthroscope ensures that the operation will be minimally invasive: minimal skin incisions (0.5-1 cm long) are made using instruments adapted for this purpose. In this way, severe trauma to the skin and other tissues, complicated rehabilitation, noticeable scars and shortening of the healing period are avoided. In addition, the image displayed by the arthroscope on the screen is magnified dozens of times in order to assess even the smallest changes in the joint cartilage, menisci or ligaments.

During the operation, bone canals are prepared for the new cruciate ligament graft, which is fixed with two implants, one for fixation in the femur and the other in the tibia. Other damage to the joint structures, such as the meniscus or cartilage, is also repaired during the same operation.

Postoperative period and healing

Special care

In the first days after surgery, it is especially important to reduce swelling. Swelling of the operated area is effectively suppressed by the use of ice (it cannot be applied directly to the skin, the ice should be wrapped in a clean cloth and bag so that the condensate does not wet the postoperative wounds), certain physical exercises and the use of anti-inflammatory medications. It is also recommended to gently massage the patella and around the knee joint: this improves blood circulation and promotes the regeneration process.

Use all these procedures only after consulting your doctor.

Healing

Since this operation is minimally invasive, it will be possible to think about the operated leg the next day and start light rehabilitation exercises selected by specialists. Also, don't forget to bandage the wound regularly.

A full recovery will require approximately 6 months of physical rehabilitation.

Scarring

When performing the reconstruction of the cruciate ligaments of the knee joint, the arthroscopic technology used allows to operate with minimal damage to the tissues, so the scars remain small, they quickly fade and become practically invisible.