What is knee ligament repair or reconstruction?

Ligaments are bands of tough, elastic connective tissue that surround a joint to give support. They also limit the joint's movement.

The knee joint may become unstable when ligaments are damaged. Ligament damage often happens from a sports injury. A torn ligament severely limits correct knee movement. This results in the inability to pivot, turn, or twist the leg. Surgery is a choice to fix a torn ligament if other treatment does not work.

The ligaments in the knee connect the femur (thighbone) to the tibia (shin bone). There are 4 major ligaments in the knee:

  • Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This controls rotation and forward movement of the tibia (shin bone).
  • Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). This controls backward movement of the tibia (shin bone).
  • Medial collateral ligament (MCL). This gives stability to the inner knee.
  • Lateral collateral ligament (LCL). This gives stability to the outer knee.

Front view of knee joint showing ligaments.

Why might I need a knee ligament repair or reconstruction?

The ACL is toward the front of the knee. It's the most common ligament to be injured. The ACL is often stretched or torn during a sudden twisting motion. For instance, when the feet stay planted one way, but the knees turn the other way. Skiing, basketball, and football are sports that have a higher risk of ACL injuries.

The PCL is toward the back of the knee. It's also a common knee ligament to be injured. But the PCL injury often happens with sudden, direct impact. This can happen in a car accident or during a football tackle.

The MCL is on the inner side of the knee. It's injured more often than the LCL,. This is on the outer side of the knee. Stretch and tear injuries to the collateral ligaments are usually caused by a blow to the side of the knee. This includes when playing hockey or football.

Early medical treatment for knee ligament injury may include:

  • Rest
  • Ice packs (to reduce swelling that happens within hours of the injury)
  • Compression (from an elastic bandage or brace)
  • Elevation (keeping it raised)
  • Pain relievers

A knee ligament tear may be treated with the following:

  • Muscle-strengthening exercises
  • Protective knee brace (for use during exercise)
  • Limiting activity

Knee ligament repair or reconstruction is a treatment for a tear of a knee ligament that results in instability in the knee. This repair or reconstruction is done by an orthopedic surgeon. This is a surgeon who specializes in treating bone, muscle, joint and tendon problems. People with a torn knee ligament may be unable to do normal activities that require twisting or turning at the knee. The knee may buckle or “give way.” Repair or reconstruction surgery may be an effective treatment if medical treatments don't work well.

The surgery to fix a torn knee ligament with a repair is done by stitching (suturing) the torn ligament. The surgery to correct a torn knee ligament with reconstruction is done by replacing the ligament with a piece of healthy tendon. A tendon from the kneecap or hamstring, for instance, is grafted into place to hold the knee joint together. The tendon graft may come from the person (autograft). Or it may come from an organ donor (allograft).

There may be other reasons for your healthcare provider to advise a knee ligament repair or reconstruction.

What are the risks of knee ligament repair or reconstruction?

As with any surgery, complications can happen. Some possible complications are:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Blood clots in the legs or lungs

Some people may have pain, limited range of motion in the knee joint, and some swelling in the knee after surgical ligament repair or reconstruction. Others have increased motion in the knee joint as the graft stretches over time.

There may be other risks depending on your specific health condition. Talk about any concerns with your surgeon before the procedure.

How do I get ready for a knee ligament repair or reconstruction?

  • Your surgeon will explain the procedure to you. Ask any questions that you might have about the procedure.
  • You will be asked to sign a consent form that gives your permission to do the procedure. Read the form carefully and ask questions if something is not clear.
  • In addition to a complete health history, your healthcare provider may do a complete physical exam. This is to make sure that you are in good health before having the procedure. You may have blood tests or other diagnostic tests.
  • Tell your surgeon if you are sensitive to or are allergic to any medicines, latex, tape, and anesthetic agents (local and general).
  • Tell your surgeon about all medicines (prescribed and over-the-counter) that you are taking. This includes vitamins, herbs, and other supplements.
  • Tell your surgeon if you have a history of bleeding disorders. Or if you are taking any blood-thinning (anticoagulant) medicines, aspirin, or other medicines that affect blood clotting. You may need to stop these medicines before the procedure.
  • Tell your surgeon if you are pregnant or think you could be. .
  • Follow all directions you are given for not eating or drinking before your surgery.
  • You may receive a sedative before the procedure to help you relax. You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home. This is because the sedative may make you drowsy.
  • You may meet with a physical therapist before your surgery to discuss rehabilitation.
  • Arrange for someone to help around the house for a week or two after you are discharged from the hospital.
  • Your provider may request other specific preparations based on your health condition.

What happens during a knee ligament repair or reconstruction?

Knee ligament repair or reconstruction may be done on an outpatient basis. In rare cases it may be done as part of your stay in a hospital. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your surgeon's practices.

Knee ligament repair or reconstruction may be done while you are asleep under general anesthesia. Or it may be done while you are awake under spinal anesthesia. You will have no feeling from your waist down if spinal anesthesia is used. Your surgeon will discuss this with you in advance.

Generally, knee ligament repair or reconstruction surgery follows this process:

  1. You will be asked to remove clothing and will be given a gown to wear.
  2. An IV (intravenous) line may be started in your arm or hand.
  3. You will be positioned on the operating table.
  4. The anesthesiologist will continuously keep track of your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and blood oxygen level during the surgery.
  5. The skin over the surgical site will be cleansed with an antiseptic solution.
  6. The surgeon will make several small incisions in the knee area.
  7. The surgeon will do the surgery using an arthroscope. This is a small tube-shaped tool that is inserted into a joint. The surgeon may reattach the torn ligament or reconstruct the torn ligament by using a part (graft) of the patellar tendon (that connects the kneecap to the tibia), the hamstring tendon (from the back of the thigh), or other autografts. The tendon graft may come from the person (autograft). Or it may come from an organ donor (allograft).
  8. The surgeon will drill small holes in the tibia and femur where the torn ligament was attached.
  9. The surgeon will thread the graft through the holes. Then it will be attached with surgical staples, screws, or other means. Over time, bone grows around the graft.
  10. The incision will be closed with stitches or surgical staples.
  11. A sterile bandage or dressing will be applied.

What happens after a knee ligament repair or reconstruction?

You will be taken to the recovery room to be watched after the surgery. Your recovery process will vary depending on the type of anesthesia that is given. You will be taken to your hospital room or discharged to your home once your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable and you are alert. Knee ligament repair or reconstruction is often done on an outpatient basis.

You may be given crutches and a knee immobilizer before you go home.

It's important to keep the surgical area clean and dry once you are home. Your healthcare provider will give you specific bathing instructions. The stitches or surgical staples will be removed during a follow-up office visit.

Take a pain reliever for soreness as advised by your surgeon. Aspirin or certain other pain medicines may increase the chance of bleeding. Be sure to take only advised medicines.

You may be asked to raise (elevate) your leg and apply an ice bag to the knee several times per day for the first few days to help reduce swelling. Your provider will arrange for an exercise program to help you regain muscle strength, stability, and range of motion. Physical therapy is a key part of recovery.

Tell your surgeon if you have any of the following:

  • Fever or chills
  • Redness, swelling, bleeding, or other drainage from the incision site
  • Increased pain around the incision site
  • Numbness or tingling in the leg
  • Calf swelling or soreness

You may resume your normal diet unless your provider advises you differently.

It may be hard for a few weeks to resume your normal daily activities because of the limited mobility. You may need someone at home to help you. You should not drive until your provider tells you to. Other activity restrictions may apply. Full recovery from the surgery and rehab may take a few months.

Your surgeon may give you additional or alternate instructions after the procedure, depending on your particular situation.

Next steps

Before you agree to the test or procedure make sure you know:

  • The name of the test or procedure
  • The reason you are having the test or procedure
  • What results to expect and what they mean
  • The risks and benefits of the test or procedure
  • What the possible side effects or complications are
  • When and where you are to have the test or procedure
  • Who will do the test or procedure and what that person’s qualifications are
  • What would happen if you did not have the test or procedure
  • Any alternative tests or procedures to think about
  • When and how you will get the results
  • Who to call after the test or procedure if you have questions or problems
  • How much you will have to pay for the test or procedure