The surgical repair of the completely torn ligament involves reconstruction of the torn ligament using a tissue graft taken from another part of the body or from a donor. The damaged ligament is replaced by the graft and fixed to the femur and tibia using metallic screws. Gradually, over a period of a few months, the graft heals.
Arthroscopic reconstruction of the knee ligament is a minimally invasive surgery performed through a few tiny incisions. An arthroscope is inserted into the knee joint through one of the small incisions to provide clear images of the surgical area (inside the knee) to the surgeon on a television monitor. Guided by these images the surgeon performs the surgery using small surgical instruments inserted through the other small incisions around the knee.
Advantages of Knee Reconstruction
As the surgery is performed through small incisions it provides the following benefits:
- Less post-operative pain
- Shorter hospital stay
- Quicker recovery.
Following arthroscopic reconstruction of the injured ligament most athletes can return to their high-level sport after a period of rehabilitation.