Q: An alternative to cruciate ligament surgery?
A: There are several non-surgical alternatives to cruciate ligament surgery, and some of these alternatives include:
1- Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy can help strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve stability and balance, and reduce the risk of knee injuries.
2- Strengthening exercises: Strengthening exercises can be done to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee, which will improve the support and stability of the knee.
3- Injection therapy: Local injections can be used to improve the fibrous function of the cruciate ligament and reduce inflammation and pain.
4- Medical use of devices and tools: Assistive devices and tools such as ligaments and special shoes can be used to reduce pressure on the knee and improve support and stability.
5- Laser therapy: Laser therapy can help improve cruciate ligament healing, improve mobility, and reduce pain.
However, in some cases, surgery may be the best option to treat a cruciate ligament tear, especially in severe and high-risk cases that cause severe symptoms such as severe pain and inability to move. A specialist doctor should be consulted to determine the appropriate and optimal treatment option for the cruciate ligament rupture, which depends on several factors such as the size, location and severity of the rupture, the person’s condition, and the extent to which he or she is affected by the symptoms resulting from the rupture.
Q: Duration of recovery from cruciate ligament surgery?
A: The duration of recovery from cruciate ligament surgery depends on several factors such as the age of the patient, the severity of the injury, the type of surgery performed, and the general health condition of the patient.
The recovery period for cruciate ligament surgery usually takes about 6-12 months. It is important to adhere to a physical therapy program to improve strength, flexibility and stability of the knee, and to avoid vigorous sports activities and sharp movements during this period.
In the first weeks after surgery, the patient needs to use crutches, reduce local weight on the knee, and maintain rest. In subsequent weeks, focus on athletic training to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve mobility and balance.
You must adhere to the instructions of the doctor and physiotherapist and not return to vigorous sports activities until determined by the specialist doctor. In general, the knee needs sufficient time to heal and recover from the cruciate ligament surgery, and the treatment and training program must be adhered to to speed up the healing process and improve results.
Q: How do I know the success of the cruciate ligament operation?
A: The success of the cruciate ligament surgery can be known through many signs and symptoms, including:
1- Natural movement: The patient should be able to bend and extend the knee normally after surgery, and there should be a clear improvement in movement compared to the condition before surgery.
2- Pain: The pain should gradually improve after the surgery and fade with time, and there should be no severe or persistent pain after the relapse period.
3- Stability: The stability of the knee should improve after surgery, and the patient should be able to perform daily activities and sports without any problems.
4- Return to sports activities: The patient should be allowed to return to moderate sports activities after the relapse period, and there must be a clear improvement in sports performance.
5- Radiographs: Radiographs can show improvement in the condition of the cruciate ligament after surgery, and the bones and tissues surrounding the knee usually appear normally.
However, the patient must adhere to the doctor’s instructions and exercise fully and continuously as specified in the physiotherapy and sports training program to achieve the best results and ensure the success of the cruciate ligament surgery. The patient must also conduct periodic follow-up with the specialist doctor to evaluate the results of the surgery and ensure that there are no complications or new problems.
Q: How to sleep after cruciate ligament surgery?
A: The method of sleeping after cruciate ligament surgery differs according to the type of surgery, the severity of the injury, and the recommendations of the attending physician, but in general it is recommended to follow the following instructions:
1- Sleeping on the back: It is recommended to sleep on the back in the first weeks after surgery, in order to avoid direct pressure on the knee.
2- Elevating the knee: It is recommended to raise a pillow under the knee to relieve pressure on the knee and improve blood flow.
3- Avoid sleeping on the injured side: You should avoid sleeping on the injured side in the first weeks after surgery, in order to avoid pressure on the injured knee.
4- Avoid excessive bending: You should avoid excessive bending of the knee during sleep, in order to avoid overloading the knee and causing pain.
5- Using comfortable pillows: Comfortable and supportive pillows should be used for the head, neck and back to improve sleeping position and reduce pain.
The patient must adhere to the doctor’s instructions and adhere to the treatment program to speed up the recovery process and improve results. In the event of any abnormal problems or symptoms, the attending physician should be contacted immediately.
Q: When will I walk after cruciate ligament surgery?
A: The period of returning to walking after cruciate ligament surgery varies according to the type of surgery, the severity of the injury, and the recommendations of the attending physician. However, walking is generally allowed after a period of surgery, in order to improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.
In the first weeks after surgery, an elevated knee position should be maintained and prolonged standing should be avoided. The patient can walk using crutches and help from another person if needed.
About two weeks after the surgery, the patient can begin to walk more actively without the need for crutches, but care must be taken not to perform any activity that overloads the knee.
The patient can return to walking normally about 6-8 weeks after the surgery, after the attending physician evaluates the condition of the knee and makes sure that there are no problems.
The patient must adhere to the doctor’s instructions and adhere to the treatment program to speed up the recovery process and improve results. In the event of any abnormal problems or symptoms, the attending physician should be contacted immediately.
Q: Symptoms of cruciate ligament failure?
A: Some conditions may occur that lead to the failure of the cruciate ligament operation, and among the symptoms that may indicate a problem with the surgery:
1- Severe pain: Severe pain can indicate problems with surgery, such as a new ligament tear or a fracture of one of the bones surrounding the knee.
2- Bloating and swelling: Bloating and swelling can indicate inflammation or fluid gathering in the knee, and this can affect knee movement and increase pain.
3- Redness and heat: Redness and heat can indicate the presence of inflammation in the knee, and this can lead to reduced movement and increased pain.
4- Difficulty moving: Difficulty moving can indicate a tear in the new ligament or the accumulation of scars in the area adjacent to the knee.
5- Instability: Instability in the knee can indicate problems with the new ligament or an asymmetry of strength between the muscles surrounding the knee.
If any of these symptoms appear, the patient should contact the attending physician immediately to evaluate the condition and take the necessary action. In some cases, the patient may need another surgery to fix the problem.
Q: Duration of knee flexion after cruciate ligament surgery?
A: The duration of knee flexion after cruciate ligament surgery varies according to the type of surgery, the severity of the injury, and the recommendations of the attending physician. However, it is generally allowed to start knee flexion exercises after a period of surgery, in order to improve movement and reduce the risk of severe scars.
In the first weeks after surgery, the knee is moved slowly and gradually to prevent rupture of the new ligament, and the knee is allowed to be flexed at a small angle, and the angle of flexion is gradually increased according to the recommendations of the attending physician.
About two weeks after the surgery, the patient can begin more vigorous knee flexion exercises, and the flexion angle is allowed to gradually increase. Care must be taken not to overload the knee during knee flexion exercises.
The patient can return to bending the knee normally after about 4-6 weeks of surgery, after the attending physician evaluates the condition of the knee and makes sure that there are no problems.
The patient must adhere to the doctor’s instructions and adhere to the treatment program to speed up the recovery process and improve results. In the event of any abnormal problems or symptoms, the attending physician should be contacted immediately.
