The knee is a complex hinge joint. The knee joint has ligaments surrounding it and within it which hold it together. The ligaments protect the knee by working as a cushion during rotational movements. Strenuous activities and high-impact sporting activity damage the ligaments surrounding the knee.
Trauma to the below mentioned ligaments is considered as crucial:
Various sporting injuries can damage the ligaments around the knee.
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL)
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
- Lateral collateral ligament (LCL)
- Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPL)
Any sort of a knee injury needs urgent attention as it can have impact on the whole structure of the knee joint including the ligaments and cartilages. In case of injury to any of the ligaments, urgent medical attention is required along with radiographic investigations like X-rays or MRI scan. Early and accurate diagnosis is the key to efficacy of the treatment.
The key factors in treatment of ligamentous knee injuries are early diagnosis, immediate intervention to repair the injury and protecting the instability from further trauma.
Following conclusion of the diagnosis, the patient may need a brace, physiotherapy, weight-bearing as pain allows or even surgery. Most of the injuries can heal non-surgically if diagnosed early.
The anterior cruciate ligament gives rotational stability to the knee joint. It supports the knee from giving way when the knee is going through rotational movements.
ACL reconstruction procedures are being undertaken since the last 30 years and substantial improvement in surgical techniques has been achieved during this time period.
ACL reconstruction is generally done nowadays through keyhole surgery using various grafting materials. The most widely used technique for repair of anterior cruciate ligament is the use of hamstring tendon, however, patellar tendon, allograft tissue or a man-made tissue (LARS ligament) is also used.
Dr. Rewat Laxman’s choice is to implant the patient’s own hamstring tendon in order to give efficacy and reliable results, although he will explain the benefits and merits of other alternatives
Dr. Rewat Laxman has developed a number of programs in the hospitals where he operates to aid quick recovery for patients who have gone through ACL reconstruction surgery.
After going through ACL reconstruction surgery and complete rehabilitation course, most patients re-gain their functionality as they had before the injury.
Rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction surgery involves a very lengthy period of time as it usually can take up till 9 months before the patients can re-gain their complete functionality.
The posterior cruciate ligament is crucial ligament at the posterior side of the knee. Trauma to the posterior cruciate ligament is caused when the knee sustains a head-on impact like in a motorbike accident or while playing football.
Injury to PCL is treated with a brace and physiotherapy in the majority of cases, but a grade 2 or grade 3 PCL injury needs surgical intervention.
Dr. Rewat Laxman reconstructs the PCL using the keyhole technique implanting the patient’s own hamstring tendons or an allograft.
Rehabilitation following PCL reconstruction also includes extended period of physiotherapy and post procedure care to regain complete functionality.
Many of the MCL injuries are treated conservatively with just a brace and physiotherapy as these type of injuries can heal well non-surgically. Thus, it becomes vital to diagnose the type of injury early in order to aid early recovery.
MCL injuries can be accompanied by meniscal tears and ACL injuries and careful management is essential for such type of injuries. Dr. Rewat Laxman will thoroughly explain to you the most befitting surgical and rehabilitation programme which will result in optimal recovery for these types of injuries.