Mending the Links: An Overview of Ligament Surgery

Ligaments are the tough, fibrous bands that connect bones to each other, providing stability to your joints. When a ligament is severely sprained or torn, it might not heal properly on its own, leading to chronic pain and instability. This is where ligament surgery comes in.

The Procedure:

Ligament surgery is typically performed arthroscopically, a minimally invasive technique using a tiny camera. Surgeons access the joint through small incisions, visualize the damage using the camera, and repair the ligament with sutures or anchors. In some cases, if the ligament is severely damaged, a graft from another part of your body might be used for reconstruction.

Common Ligament Repairs:

ACL reconstruction (knee): This repairs the anterior cruciate ligament, crucial for knee stability.

PCL reconstruction (knee): Addresses tears in the posterior cruciate ligament.

MCL repair (knee): Targets tears in the medial collateral ligament, located on the inner side of the knee.

LCL repair (knee): Repairs the lateral collateral ligament on the outer side of the knee.

Ulnar collateral ligament repair (elbow): Strengthens the ligament on the inner side of the elbow joint.

Recovery:

Ligament surgery is followed by a rehabilitation program to regain strength, flexibility, and stability in the joint. While minimally invasive, recovery can take several months, depending on the severity of the injury and the specific ligament repaired.

Considering Ligament Surgery?

If you have a ligament tear causing persistent pain, instability, or difficulty performing daily activities, consult a doctor to see if ligament surgery is the right course of action. Early diagnosis and intervention can lead to a faster and more complete recovery.