Leading Ligament Reconstruction at Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore

Walking, running, and other movement activities are a part of our daily lifestyle and essential to perform our daily tasks. Nowadays, many people face problems while walking, running or moving their joints. This can be due to damage to the respective ligament(s). However, this condition can be treated with the help of Ligament reconstruction, a surgical procedure in which the damaged ligament is partially or completely replaced, tightened or repaired.

At Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka, we provide an all-inclusive facility for effective and precise ligament reconstruction surgery. Our experienced orthopaedic surgeons perform this surgery and help patients get back to their active lifestyles.

What is Ligament Reconstruction?

Ligaments are fibrous tissues that connect bones with other bones. They provide stability to the joints and prevent them from dislocation due to excessive movements. When the ligaments are stretched or torn, they cause a sprain. Some sprains repair themselves with medications, rest, ice, etc. But if people experience repeated sprains, then ligament reconstruction surgery becomes necessary. Ligament Reconstruction is a type of surgical process that replaces, tightens, or repairs the damaged ligament.

Types of Ligament Reconstruction Procedures

The type of ligament reconstruction surgery will depend on the patient’s condition. Orthopaedic surgeons will examine which ligament is damaged and recommend the treatment procedure accordingly.

The most common types of ligament reconstruction procedures are:

• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction – It is the most common ligament reconstruction process where the surgeon repairs the ligament that joins the shin and the thigh at the centre of the knee.
• Lateral Ankle Ligament Reconstruction – It is also known as the Brostrom procedure. In this, the outermost ankle ligaments are repaired or tightened.
• Carpometacarpal (CMC) Ligament Reconstruction – CMC joints can be affected by Arthritis. It is a joint where the thumb is connected to the trapezium bone in the wrist. In CMC, the damaged ligament at the base of the thumb is replaced or removed.
• Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) reconstruction – In this procedure, the surgeon reconstructed the torn ligament that adjoins the shin and the thigh at the back of the knee.

At Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka, our specialised orthopaedic surgeons perform almost all types of Ligament Reconstruction Surgery. The procedure is performed with advanced medical equipment and minimally invasive procedures.

Ligament Reconstruction Surgery at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka

We perform the following steps to carry out the Ligament Reconstruction Surgery and obtain effective postoperative outcomes.

Before the Procedure

Before the surgery, you will undergo certain evaluation and preparation tests to see if you are eligible for the procedure or not. These tests include:

• Physical examination tests
• Imaging tests such as CT scans, X-rays, or MRIs
• Blood tests
• Preoperative instructions
• Anaesthesia evaluation test

After these tests, you will be asked to fill out the consent form that says you agree to all the terms and conditions of the surgery.

During the Procedure

Firstly, the patient is given anaesthesia so that he feels pain-free during the procedure. Then, the surgeon makes the incision to insert medical equipment and access the damaged ligament. The ligament is either removed or replaced. If the ligament is being removed, then surgeons will use scissors or a scalpel. If it is being replaced, then the surgeon will use a tissue graft. Tissue grafting can be done in two ways, Autografting or Allografting. The type of grafting will depend on the patient’s condition. After the ligament is replaced, the incision is closed, and the patient is shifted into the recovery room for monitoring.

After the Procedure

After the surgery, the patient will be:

• Allowed to stay in the hospital depending on his condition and the type of surgery performed.
• Asked to hire a physiotherapist for physical therapy so that he could regain bone stability and motion.
• Given certain medications that will help him to manage swelling and pain.
• Asked to take proper rest and gradually restart their daily activities.
• Called for follow-ups so that the doctor can monitor their progress and ensure that there are no risks and complications.

Recovery period

The recovery period depends on the extent of damage, the patient’s condition and the type of procedure performed. In general, it can take several months to recover completely after the surgery.

Complications & Risks Associated with Ligament Reconstruction Surgery

Like any other surgery, ligament reconstruction surgery comes with risks and complications. The common side effects of this surgery are:

• Infection
• Blood clots
• Bleeding
• Nerve damage
• Graft failure
• Loss of motion or stiffness
• Allergic reactions due to anaesthesia or medical equipment used.
• Chronic pain

It is crucial to discuss the risks and complications of the surgery with your orthopaedic surgeon before the Ligament Reconstruction Surgery.

Who is not eligible for Ligament Reconstruction Surgery?

There are many factors that make a person ineligible for ligament reconstruction surgery. Some of these include:

• Age – Age is the most important factor that decides whether the person is eligible for surgery or not. Elderly people may be ineligible for the procedure as they have decreased healing capacity and can be at higher risk of complications.
• Pre-Existing Disorders – Patients having medical conditions like heart disease and diabetes are not eligible for surgery. Because for them, the risk of getting complications during the surgery is higher.
• Poor Health – People who are not having good health and have poor immune systems or are malnourished are ineligible for surgery.
• Impaired Bone Density – Patients with osteoporosis and other medical conditions that result in impaired bone density are not good candidates for surgery.
• Obesity – Obesity increases the risk of complications and makes it difficult for the surgeon to repair the damaged ligament.

Ligament Reconstruction Surgery is the only surgery that can help you to restore stability. At Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka, our trained orthopaedic surgeons perform the surgery to deliver the best tests to the patients. Also, the hospital’s supportive nursing staff offers end-to-end care to our patients during and after the surgery.

Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka, uses advanced technology to perform ligament reconstruction surgery and give a quality life to our patients.