Knee Dislocations

Knee dislocations are rare but devastating injuries that may be caused by sports injuries or in road traffic accidents.

Patient Information and Rehabilitation Guidelines Following Multiple Ligament Reconstruction

This leaflet aims to improve knowledge and understanding of the rehabilitation involved after multiple ligament reconstruction. It includes basic anatomy and information about the operation.

MULTILIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION

The Aim of the Operation
The surgery is designed to allow individuals to return to their normal function and, possibly,
sporting activities. It should help stabilise the knee and stop the knee buckling or giving way. However, the results can be unpredictable with the more ligaments involved.
Although the reconstructed ligaments are not the same as the original, without surgery most
patients would need to use a brace for their knee to be stable.
Wear and tear arthritis is associated with ligament injuries and is not necessarily prevented by ligament reconstruction surgery.

The Procedure
The operation to reconstruct the ligaments, involves replacing them with grafts taken from tissues around the knee. In severe cases grafts from both legs may be required. The ones commonly used are the middle third of the patella tendon and/or the hamstring tendons.

The incisions required vary from patient to patient. You may have a 20cm scar down the front and/or side of the knee and a scar on the opposite knee if grafts are needed from that side also.

The surgery itself is done under general anaesthesia and can take from 2-5 hours. If any other structures have been damaged e.g. a meniscal cartilage, then it is usually dealt with at the same time. This, however, may only be apparent at the time of surgery.
Tunnels are made in the tibia and femur and the grafts are passed into the knee. They are held in place with either screws or buttons.

These devices do not usually need to be removed unless they are causing problems. If this is the case, this could be done at a minimum of twelve months after your original surgery.

If you need further advice please contact the McNicholas Knee Clinic and arrange a consultation

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