Multi-Ligament Reconstruction

WHAT IS MULTI-LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION?

Multi ligament surgery is the surgical repair or reconstruction of two or more ligaments in the knee joint after injury. 

A multi ligament injury involves damage to two or more ligaments in the knee and can occur after a rigorous blow or trauma to the knee of considerable force. Commonly other structures in the knee are also damaged such as; meniscus, tibia (shin bone), femur (thigh bone), patella (knee cap), costochondral cartilage (inner surface of knee joint) and surrounding soft tissues.

 

SYMPTOMS OF LIGAMENT DAMAGE

Patients with multiligament knee injuries may experience:

• Pain

• Swelling

• Limited range of motion

• Injuries to nerves and arteries of the leg

• Knee instability

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DIAGNOSIS OF MULTI-LIGAMENT DAMAGE 

Diagnosis is made by evaluating your medical history, performing a physical examination and taking X-rays of the joint followed by an MRI scan.

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TREATMENT 

Multi ligament injuries cause a considerable amount of pain and instability in the knee whilst also taking a much larger amount of time to recover than an injury where there is just one or two structures involved. Treatment for a severe multi ligament injury nearly always requires surgery. Multi ligament surgery involves repairing or reconstructing the injured ligaments. The exact surgical technique required will depend on what structures that are damaged, the severity of the injury and other influencing factors. 

Surgery after such a severe injury is critical to prevent marked instability, pain, poor function and the rapid development of arthritis. Multi ligament surgery will therefore improve the likelihood for the recovery of function in the knee and a better outlook in the future. 

 

POSTOPERATIVE CARE FOLLOWING MULTI-LIGAMENT SURGERY

Following the surgery, you will be given pain medication to keep you comfortable. 

Physical therapy will be recommended for the restoration of normal knee motion and muscle strength after surgery. You will be required to use crutches and a knee brace for 6 weeks with minimal or no weight-bearing during this time.

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RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS OF TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT

As with any surgery, there are risks and complications that may occur following a multiligament knee reconstruction. These can include:

• Complications of the anaesthesia

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Vascular or nerve injury

• DVT Deep Vein Thrombosis (blood clot)

• Failure of the reconstruction