Current ER Wait Time:
Loading RSS Feed
 Minutes Learn More →

Knee Ligament Repair

Your knee is the largest joint in your body, which also makes it vulnerable to injury or other problems. Sports, exercise and general wear and tear can cause muscle strains, tendinitis and more serious injuries—including ligament tears. With proper treatment, this can lead to long-term knee pain and instability, and make it difficult to turn or walk comfortably on your leg.

If a severe knee injury is keeping you from your active life, surgery may be your best solution. At Three Rivers Medical Center, the board-certified orthopedic surgeons specialize in arthroscopic knee ligament repair, a minimally invasive option that can help you get back faster to the things you love.

About Knee Ligament Injuries

There are four major ligaments in the knee—tough bands of connective tissue that stabilize the joint:

  • Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL): Controls rotation and forward movement of the tibia (shin bone). The ACL is the most commonly injured ligament, accounting for more than 40% of all sports injuries.
  • Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL): Controls backward movement of the tibia (shin bone). PCL injuries typically happen with direct, sudden impact, such as in a car accident.
  • Medial collateral ligament (MCL): Gives stability to the inner knee. Injuries are often caused by blows to the knee.
  • Lateral collateral ligament (LCL): Gives stability to the outer knee. LCL injuries can occur with sharp changes in direction.

For mild or partial ligament tears, Three Rivers Medical Center surgeons usually first recommend nonsurgical options, including rest, medication, physical therapy or knee bracing, which may allow the joint to heal over time. But, if the ligament is completely torn and limits even basic moments, we may suggest surgery for long-term stability and relief.

Arthroscopic Knee Repair: Less Pain, Faster Recovery

Three Rivers Medical Center‘s skilled surgeons can diagnose and repair the majority knee ligament injuries arthroscopically. This technique uses tiny tools and a camera inserted through a few small incisions around the joint to assess the damaged area.

During the surgery, your doctor will remove the torn ligament from your knee and replace it with a healthy tendon (called a graft), from somewhere else in your body or from donated tissue. This procedure has proven to be highly successful in returning stability and motion to the knee.

Knee arthroscopy often offers many benefits compared to open surgery, including:

  • No cutting of muscles or tendons
  • Minimal damage to surrounding soft tissues
  • Less post-operative pain
  • Less scarring
  • Fewer complications
  • Faster and more comfortable rehabilitation
  • Quicker recovery and return to regular activities

We usually perform arthroscopy on an outpatient basis, allowing you to leave the hospital the same day and recover comfortably at home.

Rehabilitation to Get You Back in Action

A few weeks after surgery, physical therapists will work with you to create a custom rehabilitaion plan based on your unique needs and goals. Your plan may include home exercises and other techniques to restore range of motion and balance, strengthen muscles, and, for athletes, help regain sports-specific skills. We also place special focus on education to protect your knee moving forward and help prevent re-injury.

Orthopedics

Orthopedics

Orthopedic doctors specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the bones, joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles. We know these injuries and conditions can be painful, so we’re here to help with both non-surgical and surgical care for: Joint pain and...

Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopic Surgery

Joint pain can really hurt, especially when it keeps you from what you need or love to do. At , we can help you get back on track. That includes minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery to treat a variety of hip, knee and shoulder conditions. We...

Joint Replacement

Joint Replacement

Orthopedic doctors specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the bones, joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles. We know these injuries and conditions can be painful, so we’re here to help with both non-surgical and surgical care for: Joint pain and...

Anterior Hip Replacement

Anterior Hip Replacement

In addition to performing traditional orthopedic procedures, the orthopedic surgeons at use minimally invasive techniques, which often allow for better precision, with less incision. That includes the direct anterior approach to hip...

Knee Replacement

Knee Replacement

Your knee is the largest joint in your body, which makes it vulnerable to injury and other problems. Sports, exercise, and general wear and tear can cause muscle strains, tendinitis, and more serious injuries. When medications and other treatments can’t keep your knee...

Shoulder Joint Replacement

Shoulder Joint Replacement

Many people know someone with an artificial knee or hip joint. Shoulder replacement is less common, but this surgery has come to be used for many other painful conditions of the shoulder. These include: Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) Rheumatoid arthritis...

Total Hip Replacement

Total Hip Replacement

Whether you have just begun exploring treatment options or have already decided with your orthopedic Surgeon to undergo hip replacement surgery, this information will help you understand the benefits and limitations of this orthopedic treatment. You will learn… How a...

Nerve Decompression Surgery

Nerve Decompression Surgery

Nerve disorders like carpal or cubital tunnel syndrome may start with mild discomfort, but over time, can interfere with both your life and work. And, while treatments like medication may help, sometimes surgery is your best solution for long-term relief. At [sc...

Rotator Cuff Repair

Rotator Cuff Repair

The shoulder has the greatest range of motion of any joint in the body, but that very flexibility makes it prone to injury and wear. Many problems are caused by repeated overhead motions for a long period of time. Athletes and do-it-yourselfers are especially...