Arthroscopic Ligament Repair
Arthroscopic ligament repair is often used in the reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament located in the anterior knee. This ligament tear is usually secondary to injuries such as sports injury or trauma. Although the surgery gives patients a minimally invasive option to repair the ligament and resume routine exercise, the procedure itself should be accompanied with physical therapy for optimal results. If you are looking for physical therapy in Huntington, NY, reach out to Island Sports Physical Therapy. We offer a regimented post-operative program to ensure you are not only back up on your feet but that you have the resources to regain strength and range of motion in your affected joint.
What To Expect During An Arthroscopic Ligament Repair Procedure
After the immediate swelling and inflammation from injury have diminished, your orthopedic surgeon will schedule you for arthroscopic ligament repair surgery, if the ligament has torn. This procedure is most common among young athletes and older adults. Your doctor will schedule you in either an outpatient suite or a same-day surgery unit, and you will undergo anesthesia for the procedure. The doctor will then make a small incision on your knee and insert a camera to locate the ligament tear. The tear will then be repaired by either an autograft, tissue from the patient’s body, or allograft, tissue from a donor. The whole procedure typically takes 1.5 hours. Arthroscopic surgery is not only limited to the knee but also used in other joints such as a tear in the shoulder as well.
The Recovery Process
After the procedure, your doctor will prescribe anti-inflammatory pain medicine to help decrease the swelling. The usual recovery period usually lies within 6-9 months. Recovery not only consists of pain management but also physical therapy to learn how to use walking assistance equipment, such as temporary crutches, learning how to bear weight, and learning the proper methods for bending and running after the procedure.
Why Physical Therapy is Crucial to Proper Recovery
- Having a therapy program 2-3 times per week for 3-4 months allows the joint to recover effectively and efficiently, with stages of recovery catered to each week.
- Helps to reduce the risk of swelling and pain around the affected joint post surgery.
- Teaches patients how to use crutches and other equipment properly.
- Increases range of motion, strength, and flexibility in the joint to avoid accumulation of blood, inflammatory cells, and fibrosis in the recovering joint.
If you have recently undergone arthroscopic surgery and you are looking for physical therapy in Huntington, NY contact us at Island Sports Physical Therapy today. With six convenient locations throughout Long Island and most insurances accepted, we offer the best in class care for our patients with advanced equipment and sufficient training methods. Call today and get back to feeling your best and doing the things you love!