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Ligament Reconstruction

Ligament Reconstruction

WHAT IS LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION?

Ligament reconstruction is a surgical procedure to repair or replace a damaged ligament. Ligaments are tough, elastic connective tissues that stabilize and support joints. An injury or tear to a ligament causes pain, loss of range of motion and movement, and destabilization of the joint. 

The most common type of ligament reconstruction procedure is for the knee, which has 4 primary ligaments: anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). Ankle ligament reconstruction is another common surgery.

Ligaments can become injured, damaged or torn from sports accidents, falls, car accidents, a direct blow or repetitive use. While many ligament injuries heal with non-operative treatments, a complete tear that leaves you unable to perform normal movements may require surgery.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE PROCEDURE

At Integrity Spine and Orthopedics, we perform ligament reconstruction as an outpatient procedure so that you can return home the same day. Depending on the type and severity of the damage, we’ll either repair or completely replace the injured ligament.

At the procedure, your surgeon will make one or more small incisions above the damaged ligament. Using small tools, your doctor will reattach a torn ligament or reconstruct it with a tendon graft from elsewhere in your body. Screws are used to hold the new graft in place. Afterward, the incisions will be closed. 

RECOVERY

Ligament reconstruction is a minimally invasive procedure, which means it has fewer risks than open surgery and requires less downtime and recovery time. You’ll be able to return home the same day as surgery and our staff will give you specific instructions to help aid your recovery. You will require several weeks of rehabilitation to make a complete recovery and return to normal activities after surgery.

Some of the primary benefits of minimally invasive surgery include:

  • Smaller incisions
  • Fewer complications and bloss loss during surgery
  • Less damage to surrounding muscle and soft tissues
  • Lower risk of infection
  • Less post-op pain and less reliance on strong pain medications during recovery
  • Faster recovery and rehabilitation
  • Better cosmetic results with minimal scarring 

We encourage you to learn more about minimally invasive surgery and the benefits here:

5 Advantages of Minimally Invasive Procedures

CONTACT INTEGRITY SPINE AND ORTHOPEDICS TO FIND RELIEF FROM BACK OR NECK PAIN

At Integrity Spine and Orthopedics, we specialize in identifying, diagnosing and treating a wide range of acute and chronic back, spine and joint conditions. If you’re experiencing back or joint pain, weakness, or a loss of mobility, reach out to us today to schedule a consultation with our team. We provide compassionate and comprehensive care to help you find relief from pain and get back to doing the activities you love. 

Call us at 904-456-0017 or contact us online to request an appointment.