Dr Tarandeep Singh Gill — MS Ortho, MCh Ortho
Director – Joint Replacement & Robotic Surgery · RoboLens FT3D Pioneer · Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mohali
Sports related injuries that affect ligaments are common and can occur to anyone due to accidents or sudden changes in body position. Injuries to ligaments result in a number of symptoms including pain, swelling, and instability. In more severe cases, normal activities of daily living are affected. Complete rest and rehabilitation may be useful for mild ligament injuries. On the other hand, surgical intervention is often necessary for more severe injuries.
If you are seeking Ligament surgery Chandigarh, it is vital that you learn about the different procedures available and identify the most competent Orthopaedic Surgeon that will best address your concern.
What Is Ligament Surgery?
Ligaments are tissues that connect bones to other bones and help in stabilizing joints. In the knee, there are various ligaments, such as the cruciate ligaments (ACL and PCL) and the collateral ligaments (MCL and LCL). Injury to a ligament may occur with a trauma or overuse. When ligament injuries occur, the joint may become unstable and may result to chronic symptoms. In such cases, ligament surgery is often necessary.
One example of ligament surgery is the cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. In this procedure, the function of the torn ligament is replaced by a tissue (graft) to restore the stability of the knee joint. Other ligament surgeries are done based on the condition and instability of other joints, as well as the activities of the individual.
When Is Ligament Surgery Indicated?
Not all ligament injuries require surgery. Mild injuries may be treated with rehabilitation and modification in daily activities. Surgery is often recommended if ligament injuries affect the quality of life of the individual.
When the following conditions occur, surgery may be recommended:
Complete rupture of a knee ligament
Persisting feelings of instability
Knee joint ‘giving way’
Injuries to the meniscus or articular cartilage of the knee
Inability to participate in sport and other physically demanding activities
Failure to improve following rehabilitation
Surgery to repair injured knee ligaments may be recommended by an orthopaedic surgeon specialising in knee surgery. The surgeon must assess the extent of the ligament injury. This is often done through a physical examination and review of MRI scans.
Choosing the Right Surgeon
Finding an experienced knee ligament specialist is important when considering ligament surgery.
You should choose a specialist who is experienced in the field of sports and Ligament surgery Chandigarh. Consider the specialist’s philosophy and approach to surgical treatment and rehabilitation.
Ask how many similar injuries the specialist has treated.
Understanding Your Injury and Treatment Options
Your surgeon will want to understand how your injury occurred and the treatments you have already received. They will take into account your physical condition and your personal goals, and help you develop a plan to treat your injury and improve your quality of life.
The surgeon may perform a physical examination to evaluate your knee and joint function. Further, imaging tests may be performed to evaluate the underlying bony and cartilage injuries and determine the extent of ligament damage.
Based on the results, your surgeon will create a treatment plan that is unique to you.
Discuss Treatment Options
Ligament reconstruction is often performed using arthroscopic techniques. Inform yourself about the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment option.
For some patients, ligament surgery using arthroscopic techniques results in smaller post-operative incisions and enables more controlled post-operative rehabilitation. However, for some ligament injuries and surgical procedures, other, more appropriate, techniques may exist. Your surgeon must decide the most appropriate surgical technique in light of your injury.
Recovery and Rehabilitation Process
It is important to understand that ligament reconstruction is only a part of your overall treatment process. Rehabilitation, to strengthen and improve the range of motion of the involved joints, is an essential part of your treatment to improve joint stability and function. During your rehabilitation process, your surgeon may give you certain exercises and guidance on what activities to perform and what to avoid. Gradually, you will be able to perform activities of normal daily living, and, ultimately, return to your preferred sport and recreational activities. However, full recovery and return to sports may take several months.
Availability of Equipment and Follow-up Care
When you are seeking treatment for a ligament injury, you must examine the entire treatment process, including all the other services available in addition to the surgeon. For example, the treatment process would be better organized if the service of a physical therapist and other rehabilitation personnel were integrated into the treatment process and available on a timely basis. Prior to your treatment, ask the service personnel about follow-up appointments and rehabilitation process to ensure that your treatment and recovery process is organized, and your questions and concerns are promptly addressed.
When considering Ligament surgery Chandigarh, it is important to understand the potential complications and to set realistic expectations regarding recovery and rehabilitation.
Conclusion
Before deciding on Ligament surgery Chandigarh, it is important to analyze your injury and available treatment options. Consider the experience of the surgery and rehabilitation team. The support of your family and friends during this time will be very helpful.
Not all ligament injuries require surgery. You should only consider surgery if your quality of life is significantly reduced due to ongoing instability and joint pain. To make an educated decision about treatment, you should consult an experienced Orthopedic doctor Mohali.
