Cruciate ligament surgery

 

Was anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery recommended by your doctor? Some important information are summarized here about preparation for the surgery, steps of the intervention and details of the postoperative care. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is currently one of the most advanced interventions in medicine, it helps treating ligament injuries of the knee joint and may improve quality of life and mobility significantly.

Parts of a joint


Joints are found at the connection area of two or more bones, where the bone ends are covered by cartilage to provide smooth movement. Joints are stabilised and supported by ligaments around them. Movement of the joints are controlled by muscles and tendons that are attached to the bones outside the area of joints.

Treatment of cruciate ligament tear:

 

Anterior cruciate ligament tear is one of the most common ligament injuries of the knee, caused by severe knee sprain or knee distortion.

There are two basic options for treatment of cruciate ligament rupture. One is to stitch the cruciate ligament back together and the other one is to replace the cruciate ligament. Stitching is a limited option and used rarely, since its results are not always satisfactory. Cruciate ligament replacement is performed a lot more often, and it is the most common and efficient way to repair a torn cruciate ligament. During the surgery, an own ligament (usually a tendon of the patient) is used to replace the injured ligament.

Answers from the doctor – What is a cruciate ligament surgery?

How are cruciate ligament replacement surgeries performed?

Diagnosis and consultation

 

Patients are advised to come to the first consultation with an X-ray or MRI scan. After positive diagnosis of the injury, details of the surgery and replacement options are discussed with the patient.

01

Preparations
Before the operation (on the day of hospitalisation), a baseline X-ray scan is performed to have a full picture of the condition of the joint. Furthermore, extensive laboratory testing and ECG scan are performed.

02

Arthroscopy and tissue removal
At the beginning of the operation, rupture of the cruciate ligament is verified with arthroscopy, then the previously chosen tendon is removed.

03

Hospitalisation
The patient needs 2 or 3 days of postoperative hospitalisation for proper supervision and initial rehabilitation.

04

Postoperative care
Rehabilitation and physiotherapy are started on the day following the surgery, and they need to be continued at home. Regular follow-up examinations are required to follow the healing process.

05

More information

How to prepare for surgery?

Even though anterior cruciate ligament replacement is a routine intervention, the patient should have previous evaluations for safety reasons (such as laboratory and urine testing, and internal medicinal or other consultations, if necessary). In the evening before the intervention, the patient may have dinner, but must not consume any food after midnight. The next day, in the morning of the surgery, eating is prohibited but the patient may drink water until 10 AM, and may take their regular medicines, however, it must be discussed with the physician who prescribed them.

The patient must prepare their home for the recovery period, which includes having comfortable spots for resting and aids for the physiotherapy.

What to do after a cruciate ligament replacement surgery?

Postoperatively, on the day of the surgery (if the intervention was performed in the morning; or the next morning, if it was in the afternoon), the patient is able to sit on the side of the bed, stand up and start rehabilitation exercises with the help of a physiotherapist. The operated leg may be loaded until painful, using an aid (usually a pair of elbow crutches).

Hospitalisation usually lasts for 3 or 4 days, and removal of surgical stitches is performed 10 to 14 days after the surgery. Patients need to continue their physiotherapy and rehabilitation exercises at home to provide complete recovery to the knee and regain its full mobility.

What are the advantages of a cruciate ligament replacement surgery?

Advantages of a cruciate ligament replacement are restored stability of the knee with its previous activity levels. The surgery helps prevent further injuries and long-term deterioration to the knee. Using these modern surgical techniques and instruments shortens the time of recovery, and patients may resume their everyday life and sport activities sooner.

What are the risks of this surgery?

Even though anterior cruciate ligament replacement is an effective method, it involves certain risks. These include infections, bleeding, joint stiffness and surgical complications, such as injury to the tissues and nerves. Also, the implanted tendon may not attach fully, which may require further interventions.

In case any complications develop during/after the surgery, and it is necessary, care will be provided at Szent-Györgyi Albert Medical Center – Emergency Care Unit, for a fee.

Premium environment – Introducing our Clinic and wards

Have a look at our photo gallery, where you can get an insight into the modern wards at our Clinic and the comfortable environment we offer our patients. These photos show our state-of-the-art equipment, which facilitates faster recovery and more efficient rehabilitation. Take a virtual tour of our wards and become acquainted with the conditions that contribute to the high-level care and recovery of our patients.

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Our doctors performing these surgeries:

Orthopaedic-Traumatologist, University of Szeged, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, Traumatology Clinic

Dr. László Bánki

Expertise

  • Examination and treatment of knee surgical problems
  • Performing minimally invasive arthroscopic surgical procedures
  • Knee ligament replacement
  • Prosthetic knee interventions
  • Examination and treatment of sports surgery problems
  • LCA plastic surgery
  • Metal removal

 

The aim is to provide professional traumatology care to patients and achieve maximum patient satisfaction.

Language skills

  • English
  • German
Trauma Surgeon, Surgeon, Sports Medicine, University Docent, Head of Department, Traumatology Clinic

Dr. László Török

Expertise

  • Hand surgery and microsurgery
  • Treatment of knee injuries
  • Knee and hip replacements
  • Knee and hip TEP revision
  • Arthroscopy (knee (meniscus)/shoulder)
  • BTB plastic surgery (anterior cruciate ligament plastic surgery)
  • LCA plastic surgery (anterior cruciate ligament plastic surgery)
  • Corrective bone surgical procedures (e.g. Tomofix)
  • Major bone replacement surgery
  • Radius (wrist) surgery
  • Removal of soft tissue tumours (e.g. cysts, ganglions on leg)
  • Bunion osteotomy
  • Metal removal by anaesthesia

Specialist services

  • Traumatology specialist care

Language skills

  • English
Orthopaedist, Traumatologist, University Docent, Clinic Director

Dr. Krisztián Sisák

Expertise

  • Knee surgery
  • Examination and treatment of acute and chronic musculoskeletal and joint diseases
  • Examination and treatment of knee, hip, leg, shoulder, and spine pain, injuries, inflammation, and other complaints

Specialist services:

Paediatric and adult orthopaedic specialist care

Language skills

  • English
  • German

About our clinic

Mediversal Egészségügyi Szolgáltató Kft. is a private healthcare facility owned entirely by the University of Szeged. Thanks to our unique clinical background, the outpatient and inpatient care we provide and the laboratory and imaging diagnostics we offer are performed by internationally renowned specialists in their fields who are at the forefront of research and innovation, supported by highly experienced staff. In addition to the excellent professional staff, our well-equipped facilities, quality hotel services, and, first and foremost, the customer-centric, personalised care we provide guarantee a complete healing experience.

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