When a knee injury causes pain, swelling, or instability, it can interfere with even the simplest movements. Knee ligament surgery is a medical procedure that repairs or reconstructs torn ligaments to restore strength and flexibility to the joint. It’s often recommended for athletes or individuals with severe ligament damage who struggle with movement or repeated knee instability. The surgery aims to bring back natural motion, stability, and confidence in every step.
Deciding to Have Knee Ligament Repair?
Deciding to undergo knee ligament surgery is often a big step for anyone struggling with knee instability, pain, or limited movement. Ligament injuries—whether caused by sports, accidents, or wear and tear—can make it difficult to perform even simple activities like walking or climbing stairs. When rest and physiotherapy fail to bring improvement, knee ligament damage surgery may be the right solution to restore joint stability and function.
Expert Knee Ligament Surgeons in Chennai
- Dr. Madan Mohan Reddy
Dr. Madan Mohan Reddy is one of the most respected names in Chennai for knee ligament surgery and Knee replacement surgeon. With over three decades of experience, he combines advanced surgical expertise with a compassionate approach. Known for his precision and commitment to patient recovery, Dr. Reddy has transformed countless lives through his tailored treatment plans. His ability to merge technology with personalized care makes him a trusted choice for those seeking long-lasting knee stability and mobility.
Qualifications: MBBS, MS (Ortho.), MD, FRCS
Experience: 36+ years
Hospital: Sunway Hospital
- Dr. Karthik P. Reddy
Dr. Karthik P. Reddy is a skilled and highly regarded knee ligament surgeon in Chennai, known for his dedication to achieving excellent patient outcomes. With a focus on ligament repair and reconstruction, he designs personalized surgical plans that prioritize patient comfort and recovery. His gentle approach, combined with modern orthopedic techniques, has earned him recognition as one of the city’s most trusted specialists. For patients seeking precision, care, and confidence in every step, choosing Dr. Karthik P. Reddy is an excellent decision.
Qualifications: MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics)
Experience: 10+ years
Hospital: Knee Replacement Hospital
Types of Knee Ligament Surgery
Knee ligament surgery is performed to repair or reconstruct the strong bands of tissue that connect the thigh bone to the lower leg bone. These ligaments are crucial for maintaining knee stability, especially during activities like running, jumping, or twisting. When one or more of these ligaments are torn, surgical intervention helps restore normal joint function and prevent long-term instability.
1. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction
This is one of the most common types of knee ligament tear surgery. The ACL, located in the center of the knee, is often injured during sports or sudden twisting movements. During surgery, the torn ligament is replaced using a graft from the patient’s hamstring or patellar tendon. ACL reconstruction helps restore stability and allows patients to return to active movement safely.
2. Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Reconstruction
PCL injuries usually occur due to direct impact or trauma. This type of knee ligament surgery involves reconstructing the ligament to stabilize the knee and prevent backward movement of the shinbone. PCL surgery often requires a strong graft and precise alignment to ensure long-term durability and function.
3. Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) and Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Repair
The MCL and LCL are found on the inner and outer sides of the knee, respectively. These ligaments provide side-to-side stability. Mild tears can heal without surgery, but severe injuries may need surgical repair to reattach or reconstruct the damaged tissue.
Recovery After Surgery
The knee ligament surgery recovery time varies depending on the type of ligament repaired and the patient’s overall health. Typically, patients can expect several weeks of physiotherapy to rebuild strength and flexibility. Adhering to post-surgery guidelines and regular rehabilitation sessions helps achieve the best results and ensures a safe return to daily activities or sports.
Why Might I Need a Knee Ligament Repair or Reconstruction?
Knee ligaments play a crucial role in keeping your knee joint stable and supporting smooth movement. When one or more of these ligaments—such as the ACL, PCL, MCL, or LCL—gets stretched or torn, it can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty in walking or bending the knee. In such cases, knee ligament surgery may be recommended to repair or reconstruct the damaged tissues and restore normal joint function.
- Common Reasons for Surgery: You might need knee ligament tear surgery if you have suffered a sports-related injury, accident, or repeated strain that has caused significant damage to your knee’s ligaments. These injuries often result in a “giving way” sensation or instability that does not improve with rest or physiotherapy. Surgical repair or reconstruction helps rebuild the ligament structure and improves long-term stability, especially for active individuals or athletes.
- The Purpose and Benefits: The goal of surgery is to restore strength, flexibility, and confidence in your movement. During the procedure, the damaged ligament may be repaired directly or replaced using a tissue graft. This allows for proper alignment and reduces the risk of future injuries.
- Recovery and Rehabilitation: The knee ligament surgery recovery time depends on the severity of the injury and the surgical method used. Most patients begin light movement exercises a few days after surgery under professional guidance. With consistent physiotherapy and careful follow-up, full recovery can take several weeks to a few months, leading to restored stability and improved quality of life.
How Do I Get Ready for a Knee Ligament Repair or Reconstruction?
Preparing for knee ligament surgery is an important step to ensure a smooth procedure and faster recovery. Proper preparation helps reduce complications, optimize surgical outcomes, and set the stage for effective rehabilitation.
- Preparing for Surgery: Before surgery, your orthopedic team will guide you on preoperative steps. This may include adjusting daily routines, arranging support at home, and planning your post-surgery physiotherapy. Understanding the procedure and recovery expectations helps ease anxiety and ensures you’re fully prepared.
- Medical Evaluation: A thorough medical evaluation is conducted to assess overall health and readiness for knee ligament damage surgery. Your surgeon will review your medical history, current conditions, and any previous surgeries to determine the safest approach for your ligament repair.
- Tests: Blood tests, X-rays, or MRI scans are usually required to evaluate the knee’s condition in detail. These tests provide a clear picture of the ligament tear and help the surgeon plan the knee ligament tear surgery accurately.
- Medications: Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are taking. Some drugs may need to be paused before surgery to avoid complications with anesthesia or bleeding.
- Dental Evaluation: A dental check-up is often recommended before orthopedic surgery. This is to prevent any risk of infection from oral bacteria that could potentially affect the surgical site.
- Urinary Evaluations: Urinary health is also assessed before surgery, especially in older patients. Ensuring no infections or underlying issues exist reduces the risk of postoperative complications and supports a smoother recovery.
Proper preparation for surgery significantly improves surgical outcomes and helps patients regain mobility more efficiently. Following these steps and closely following your surgeon’s instructions ensures a safe procedure and faster recovery.
Conclusion
Knee ligament surgery plays a vital role in restoring stability, strength, and mobility for anyone dealing with ligament injuries or chronic knee pain. Repairing or reconstructing damaged ligaments allows patients to return to daily activities and regain confidence in their movement. For anyone seeking reliable and lasting solutions for knee ligament problems, consulting Dr. Madan Mohan Reddy is the best choice to restore knee function and achieve complete healing.
