While many ligament injuries can be treated conservatively, some cases may require surgical intervention to restore joint stability, function, and to enable a return to high-level sports activities. Surgical management is often considered when ligaments are severely torn or when non-surgical treatments have failed to provide sufficient relief and stability. Dr. Chintan Patel specializes in advanced surgical techniques to repair and reconstruct damaged ligaments, helping athletes get back to their peak performance.
What It Is: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction involves replacing the torn ACL with a graft, which can be taken from the patient’s own tissue (autograft) or a donor (allograft). This procedure is commonly performed arthroscopically, using small incisions and a camera to guide the surgery.
Indications: Severe ACL tears, instability in the knee, failure of conservative treatments, or when returning to high-impact sports is desired.
Recovery: Typically includes several months of rehabilitation focusing on regaining strength, range of motion, and knee stability. Most athletes can return to their sports within 6 to 12 months.
What It Is: For medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries, surgery may involve direct repair of the torn ligament or reconstruction using a graft if the ligament is severely damaged.
Indications: High-grade tears (grade III), combined ligament injuries, or persistent instability after conservative management.
Recovery: Postoperative rehabilitation includes gradual weight-bearing and exercises to restore knee stability and strength, with return to sports often occurring within 4 to 6 months.
What It Is: Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) reconstruction is commonly performed on athletes, especially pitchers, who experience ligament tears in the elbow. The damaged UCL is replaced with a tendon graft, usually from the patient’s forearm or hamstring.
Indications: Complete UCL tears, chronic pain, and instability in the elbow that affects performance, especially in throwing sports.
Recovery: Rehabilitation is lengthy, often taking 12 to 18 months, focusing on gradually restoring strength and range of motion in the elbow and shoulder.
What It Is: In cases of severe or chronic ankle instability, surgical repair or reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments (such as the ATFL or CFL) may be necessary. This can involve tightening the existing ligaments or using a graft to reconstruct the ligaments.
Indications: Recurrent ankle sprains, chronic instability, or significant tears that do not respond to conservative treatments.
Recovery: Typically includes a period of immobilization followed by physical therapy to regain ankle stability and strength, with return to full activity within 4 to 6 months.
What It Is: Often performed alongside ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair involves suturing the torn meniscus or removing the damaged tissue. This is common when both the ACL and meniscus are injured simultaneously.
Indications: Complex injuries involving both ligament and meniscus tears, which are common in sports like soccer and basketball.
Recovery: Recovery time varies but generally includes protected weight-bearing and gradual return to activities over 4 to 6 months.
Restoration of Joint Stability: Surgery can effectively restore stability to a joint that is compromised due to a severe ligament tear, allowing for a return to high-level physical activities.
Prevention of Further Damage: By addressing ligament injuries surgically, patients can avoid secondary damage such as cartilage wear or joint degeneration that can occur with chronic instability.
Improved Function and Performance: Surgical repair or reconstruction can restore full function and strength to the affected joint, enabling athletes to perform at their best.
There is a complete tear of a major ligament (e.g., ACL, UCL) resulting in joint instability.
Conservative treatments, including physical therapy, have failed to relieve symptoms or restore function.
The injury involves multiple ligaments or complex joint damage that cannot be managed non-surgically.
The patient desires a full return to high-impact sports or activities that place high demands on the joint.
Dr. Chintan Patel is an experienced orthopedic surgeon specializing in the latest techniques for ligament repair and reconstruction. With a patient-centered approach, Dr. Patel ensures that each surgical plan is tailored to the unique needs and goals of his patients. From pre-operative consultation through post-operative rehabilitation, Dr. Patel provides comprehensive care and support to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes and a safe return to their active lifestyles.