Ligament Repair Surgery: Procedure, Recovery & Post-Procedure Care

In cases of severe strains or ligament tears, a surgical procedure will be recommended to repair the ligament. The surgical process may be done to repair or replace the torn or injured ligament. The procedure is performed as follows:

• The procedure is generally performed under general anesthesia, in which the patient is put to sleep during the procedure.
• The surgeon will then access the surgical area using minimally invasive techniques like arthroscopy, which involves accessing the affected body part through small incisions and inserting a small tube-like tool, to repair or replace the ligament.
• Sometimes, a tendon graft may be required to hold the injured joint or body part together. The tendon used could come from the patient’s own body, called an autograft, or from a deceased donor, called an allograft.
• The incisions will then be closed with sutures and the patient will then be taken to the recovery room.

Most patients can go home on the same day after ligament surgery and need to undergo physical therapy and rehabilitation for at least six months after the surgery, however, the duration may vary slightly depending on the severity of injury treated. 

The recovery process and post-surgical care involves the following steps:

• During the first two weeks after surgery, the patient may experience some pain, swelling, and fluid buildup at the surgical site.
• The patient should keep the surgical site in an elevated position and use ice compressions at the surgical site to relieve post-surgical discomfort for the first one or two weeks after surgery. 
• The patient may need to use a brace, crutches, walker, or other assistive devices to restrict mobility and pressure in the operated joint area.
• The patient needs to attend regular physical therapy sessions for a quicker and smoother recovery.
• The patient needs to stay well-hydrated and eat a nutritious diet to help in a quicker recovery.
• Light exercises like walking, that avoid putting strain on the operated area, are encouraged during the recovery period. Strenuous physical activities should be avoided.
• Most patients recover completely following a ligament repair surgery within three to six months. This timeframe will, however, vary depending on how well the patient follows post-operative instructions and other factors like the patient’s age, health condition, the severity of the injury, etc.
• The patient needs to attend regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon during the recovery period to assess the healing after surgery and address any complications that may occur at an early stage.