Recovering from Multi-Ligament Knee Surgery

How long is the recovery after multi-ligament knee reconstructive surgery?

After surgery, physical therapy will begin on post-operative day 1 or 2 to ensure that the reconstructed knee ligaments do not stretch out and the knee does not become stiff. In some patients, excessive scar tissue can form because of the injury itself and the subsequent surgery. This can lead to significant stiffness. In order to avoid this, there is a strong emphasis placed on working on knee motion immediately following surgery. Dr. Chahla will provide you with a very detailed and specific post-operative rehabilitation protocol to follow under the guidance of your physical therapist.

Following multi-ligament knee reconstruction, patients should not bear weight on the operative leg for the first six weeks after surgery. Driving on the operative knee is usually allowed at about seven to eight weeks postoperatively if tolerated. Endurance and strengthening can be started in the second phase of the rehabilitation. Agility exercises start at 4.5 months post-op, along with the running progression if previous stages have been successfully achieved. Return to sport following a multi-ligament knee reconstructive surgery is typically at 9 -15 months post-op.

If you suspect you have a multi-ligament knee injury or are experiencing knee pain, contact Dr. Chahla today to schedule a knee evaluation. Dr. Jorge Chahla is a sports medicine orthopedic complex knee surgeon in Chicago, Illinois who specializes in the treatment of complex knee and multi-ligamentous knee injuries. He is internationally recognized for his contributions to the field of sports medicine and is a pioneer in novel therapies, including complex knee and multi-ligament knee injuries. Dr. Chahla’s focus is on customized and personalized care to meet the needs of each of his patients. He uses minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures to preserve the natural joint and reduce recovery time to accelerate his patients’ return to the activities they love.