There are various ligaments in and around the knee joint that stabilize the joint:
- the posterior and anterior cruciate ligaments and
- the inner and outer collateral ligaments (medial and lateral collateral ligaments).
The collateral ligaments prevent the joint from folding to the side and at the same time ensure stable sliding of the knee. The medial collateral ligament also connects to the medial meniscus and the joint capsule.
Sports accidents in particular often cause torn ligaments in the knee. Jerky movements in particular, such as soccer or squash, are associated with a higher risk. If one of the collateral ligaments tears, this has a negative effect on the stability of the knee. Torn ligaments should therefore be treated as quickly as possible.
Torn ligaments in the knee joint often have to be treated with knee ligament plastic surgery © bilderzweg | AdobeStock
If conventional methods no longer help, a surgical procedure is necessary. If a torn ligament in the knee is replaced by the body's own tendons, this is known as a knee ligament reconstruction.
Knee ligament plastic surgery usually involves
are involved.
In the course of the diagnosis, the orthopaedist or surgeon usually also consults a radiologist. The radiologist often carries out a magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) scan. In contrast to X-rays, an MRI also shows soft tissue such as ligaments and cartilage.
With this imaging procedure, he can accurately assess the extent of the damage to the knee joint.
Treatment of injured ligaments often begins with conservative measures, i.e. with
- medication,
- rest and
- physiotherapy.
If these approaches do not help, the joint must be stabilized in another way. This is usually done with knee ligament plastic surgery.
Partial tears are particularly rare with the medial collateral ligament. It usually tears completely so that the knee can be folded inwards or outwards to a greater extent. The bone in which the ligament is anchored is also frequently affected by such injuries.
A simple knee ligament suture is not sufficient in this case. Instead, the surgeon replaces the damaged ligament structure with the body's own tendon material during knee surgery.
The following points speak in favor of knee ligament plastic surgery:
- The knee joint is highly unstable.
- The knee injury is complicated.
- The patient is still young.
- The patient's knees are subject to heavy strain in everyday life (sport, work).
Knee ligament surgery is performed under general anesthesia and - if possible - by means of arthroscopy. Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure ('keyhole technique') for examining and treating damage to the knee joint. The doctor only makes a very small incision through which a thin camera and the relevant surgical instruments are inserted.
In the case of extensive injuries, however, the surrounding tissue and/or bone structures are often also affected. A larger incision is then required.
The doctor first needs a tendon suitable for knee ligament plastic surgery. Replacement with exogenous material is very rare. The doctor usually takes the tendon directly from the patient's body. At the beginning of the procedure, a small incision is made at a predetermined location.
Various ligaments of the thigh are particularly suitable for knee ligament plastic surgery.
In the next step, the surgeon integrates the removed tendon into the ligamentous apparatus of the knee joint. In the case of a torn medial ligament, the surgeon usually only replaces the posterior part of the tendon due to the complicated ligament branches. This is usually sufficient to stabilize the knee adequately.
If further measures are required - such as screwing loose pieces of bone in place - these are carried out at the same time.
In some cases, several procedures are required. The surgeon first examines the joint using arthroscopy and removes any remnants of the defective ligament. If the meniscus is torn, it is reattached or partially removed.
The patient then undergoes several weeks of physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles and reduce swelling. Only then is the knee ligament plastic surgery performed in another arthroscopy.
Knee ligament reconstruction is a state-of-the-art surgical procedure. It has proven itself and is routinely used in orthopaedic and trauma surgery clinics. The prognosis for knee ligament plastic surgery is therefore very good.
However, the healing process takes several weeks or even months.
After the operation, it is extremely important to strengthen the leg muscles in order to further stabilize and strengthen the knee joint. Knee ligament surgery is therefore usually followed by several weeks of rehabilitation. This can take place on an outpatient or inpatient basis.
This is followed by further physiotherapy measures. These include targeted muscle-building exercises and coordination training. These measures help the patient to avoid or absorb unfavorable movements. The patient also learns to compensate for any deficits that have arisen due to the loss of the original ligament.
It usually takes a year before the patient can play sport without restrictions. However, lighter sporting activities are possible after just a few months, provided the doctor gives his or her consent.
As with any surgical procedure, knee ligament plastic surgery can also lead to complications. For example, there is a risk of damaging surrounding structures(nerves, blood vessels) during the operation.
In rare cases, inflammation of the wound or the knee joint itself can occur after the procedure. A ligament injury also increases the risk of joint wear and tear(osteoarthritis).
Professional treatment is essential in the event of an injury to the ligaments in the knee. Only prompt and professional treatment can fully and permanently restore the stability of the knee joint.
The right person to contact for individual treatment of knee and ligament injuries is a knee ligament reconstruction specialist. Such specialists work in many orthopaedic or surgical clinics.
