Multi-ligament Knee Reconstruction

CAUSES

• Motorcycle injury
• Car Accident
• Rarely sports injury

PREOP

• X-ray
• MRI Scan-Evaluate all ligaments, meniscus, cartilage
• MRI Angiogram or other vascular study: ensure no vessel injury.
• CT scan: if fractured

TREATMENT OF MULTILIGAMENT KNEE INJURY

• Most multi-ligament knee injuries require surgery to restore stability to the knee.
• Once swelling is acceptable, all knee ligaments are repaired or reconstructed. Typically allograft tissue is used with or without internal bracing

RECOVERY

• Gentle range of motion and partial weight bearing is initiated between weeks 0-6 after incisions heal.
• The brace is removed at 6 weeks and full weight bearing is allowed.
• Near normal walking and range of motion is expected to return at 3-4 months after extensive physical therapy.
• Strengthening of the leg continues until months 9-12 when return to sports is usually allowed in a custom hinged knee brace.
• Multi-ligament knee injuries are very severe injuries. Despite a well-done surgery, range of motion deficit, strength deficit, limp, pain, knee instability, and limitation during sports can persist. Early arthritis in the knee can also develop.