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Knee ligament surgery is an operation to repair damaged knee ligaments. The goal is to stabilize the knee, relieve pain, and restore knee function. That way, patients can return to their normal activities.
Knee ligaments are connective tissues that function to hold and stabilize the knee joint. This ligament is susceptible to damage or tears if there is a sudden change in movement or when the knee is hit by a hard object.
Treatment for damaged knee ligaments can vary, depending on the severity. If it is still mild, this condition can be treated with non-surgical methods, such as resting the legs, cold compresses on the knees, and taking pain relievers. However, if the knee ligaments have suffered more severe damage, knee ligament surgery could be the best option.
Knee Ligament Surgery Warnings and Contraindications
Knee ligament surgery is generally not recommended if knee function can return to normal and stable with non-surgical methods. In addition, knee ligament surgery cannot be performed on patients who have infections in the knee area or suffer from other diseases that affect the knees, for example arthritis.
Before Knee Ligament Surgery
Before the patient undergoes knee ligament surgery, the doctor will first explain the stages of the procedure, risks and complications that may occur during or after the operation. Then, the doctor will give the patient a form to sign as a sign that he understands and agrees to undergo knee ligament surgery.
After that, the doctor will carry out a series of examinations to determine whether the patient is in good condition to undergo knee ligament surgery or not. The examination includes questions and answers regarding medical history, physical tests, as well as several supporting tests, such as X-rays 400;"> knee and blood test.
At this stage, patients also need to tell the doctor if they have allergies, use dentures, are pregnant, or are taking certain medications, including supplements and herbal medicines, to reduce risk of side effects.
After being declared safe and suitable for knee ligament surgery, the patient will be informed about the surgery schedule and asked to do the following things before undergoing knee ligament surgery:
- Fast for 6–12 hours before surgery.
- Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and anticoagulant drugs within 2 weeks before surgery because it can slow down the blood clotting process.
- Do not smoke or consume alcoholic beverages at least 2 weeks before surgery.
Knee Ligament Surgery Procedure
Knee ligament surgery usually lasts a short time, namely 1–1.5 hours. This operation is also generally performed using general anesthesia, but can also be done with local anesthetic.
The following are the stages of the knee ligament surgery procedure:
- The patient changes clothes into a special surgical gown
- The IV is placed in the patient's arm or hand
- The patient lies on the operating table and is injected with anesthetic
- The operated skin area is cleaned first using antiseptic fluid, to avoid infection during and after surgery
- The doctor makes 2–3 incisions in the skin of the knee to allow surgical tools or instruments to enter
- The doctor makes a small hole in the bone where the damaged knee ligament attaches
- Through this hole, the doctor replaces the damaged knee ligament with a piece of tissue from another part of the patient's or donor's body, such as a tendon or hamstrings
- New tissue instead of ligaments is attached with medical staples or bolts
- Closing the incision wound with sutures or surgical staples, then covering with a sterile bandage
After Knee Ligament Surgery
After the knee ligament surgery is complete, the patient will be taken to the recovery room. If the patient is conscious and the patient's vital signs, such as blood pressure, pulse and breathing rate are stable, the patient can generally go home immediately accompanied by a companion or be transferred to a treatment room.
Patients may experience pain after undergoing knee ligament surgery. To overcome this, the doctor will prescribe pain relievers, such as paracetamol. Patients are also advised to compress the knee with ice wrapped in a cloth and lift the leg higher than the level of the heart when sitting or lying down to reduce swelling and pain.
During the recovery period, the patient will also use crutches to reduce excess pressure on the knee and keep the operated area clean and dry.
Within 2–6 weeks after surgery, the doctor will schedule the patient to do physiotherapy . This therapy aims to increase the patient's muscle strength, range of motion and balance. Through this therapy, the knee joint will be accustomed to moving again so that it can slowly function normally.
The post-operative recovery period generally lasts around 3–6 weeks. Once the recovery period is complete, patients can do light physical activity, including cycling and swimming. However, you should avoid activities that involve jumping or turning movements.
Complications or Side Effects of Knee Ligament Surgery
Just like other medical procedures, knee ligament surgery also carries a risk of complications, namely:
- Bleeding
- Surgical wound infection
- Damage to the nerves and blood vessels around the knee
- Blood clots form around the knee
Therefore, there are several symptoms that could indicate complications and need to be watched out for at home, including:
- Fever over 38°C or chills
- Severe pain in the surgical area that does not improve despite taking painkillers
- The incision wound and the area of skin around it appears red and swollen
- Blood or pus discharge from the surgical incision
- Numbness or tingling in the legs
If after undergoing knee ligament surgery the patient experiences the above complaints, you are advised to immediately consult orthopedic doctor to get further treatment. Consultations can be done quickly online via Chat with a Doctor.
Label : Health
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