Ligament Reconstructions
Operations
- ACL Reconstruction | The ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT is reconstructed using your hamstring (tendons that attach the muscles on the back of the thigh to the tibia) or your quadriceps (thigh muscle) tendons.
- PCL Reconstruction | The POSTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT is reconstructed using the quadriceps tendon (the tendon that attaches the muscles on the front of the thigh to the patella and tibia).
- PLC Reconstruction | In a POSTERO-LATERAL CORNER RECONSTRUCTION, the POPLITEUS TENDON, the LATERAL COLLATERAL LIGAMENT and the POPLITEO-FIBULA LIGAMENT are reconstructed using hamstring or cadaver tendons.
- MCL Reconstruction | The MEDIAL COLLATERAL LIGAMENT together with the POSTERIOR OBLIQUE LIGAMENT (a separate area on the posterior aspect of the MCL) are reconstructed using hamstring or cadaver tendons.
Overview
| ACL Reconstruction | PCL Reconstruction | PLC Reconstruction | MCL Reconstruction | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | General + Nerve Blocks | General + Nerve Blocks | General + Nerve Blocks | General + Nerve Blocks |
| Duration of Procedure | 90 minutes | 120 minutes | 120 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Hospital Stay | No overnight stay or 1 night | 1-2 nights | 1-2 nights | 1-2 nights |
| Return to Driving | 4 weeks | 6 weeks | 6 weeks | 6 weeks |
| Return to Work | 2 weeks | 4-6 weeks | 4-6 weeks | 4-6 weeks |
| Total Recovery | 6-8 months | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
Overview
| ACL Reconstruction | |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | General + Nerve Blocks |
| Duration of Procedure | 90 minutes |
| Hospital Stay | None or 1 night |
| Return to Driving | 4 weeks |
| Return to Work | 2 weeks |
| Total Recovery | 6-8 months |
| PCL Reconstruction | |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | General + Nerve Blocks |
| Duration of Procedure | 120 minutes |
| Hospital Stay | 1-2 nights |
| Return to Driving | 6 weeks |
| Return to Work | 4-6 weeks |
| Total Recovery | 1 year |
| PLC Reconstruction | |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | General + Nerve Blocks |
| Duration of Procedure | 120 minutes |
| Hospital Stay | 1-2 nights |
| Return to Driving | 6 weeks |
| Return to Work | 4-6 weeks |
| Total Recovery | 1 year |
| MCL Reconstruction | |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | General + Nerve Blocks |
| Duration of Procedure | 120 minutes |
| Hospital Stay | 1-2 nights |
| Return to Driving | 6 weeks |
| Return to Work | 4-6 weeks |
| Total Recovery | 1 year |
Patient Checklist: Pre-operation
Book or confirm the date of your operation with Megan
T | 041 363 4622
E | theatre@peknees.co.za
The patient is responsible for getting authorisation from medical aid. Megan will provide the relevant codes that you will need to get an AUTHORISATION NUMBER. Please note that the operation may be charged above medical aid rates and you may be liable for a co-payment.
On-line pre-admissions can be done by visiting the hospital website.
W | www.netcarehospitals.co.za
W | www.medicalforumtheatre.co.za
W | www.edgedayhospital.co.za
No eating or drinking for at least 6 hours before the operation. You will be admitted on the day of the operation.
Patient Checklist: Post-operation
The wound will be covered with a waterproof dressing. Your knee will be covered with a bandage and may be slightly swollen. You will need to use crutches for the first few days. These will be provided in the ward.
You will be given instructions on looking after the wound and exercises for your knee. Pain medication and anti-inflammatories will be prescribed for use at home. You may not drive and need to arrange a lift home.
You will be given a date for a post-operative appointment which is usually 10 days after the operation.