Knee Ligament Reconstruction in Columbus, OH

A torn knee ligament can cause pain, swelling, instability, and difficulty returning to work, exercise, or sports. Some ligament injuries improve with bracing and physical therapy, while complete tears or persistent instability may require surgical reconstruction.

Dr. Brian Cohen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience, over 30,000 orthopedic surgical procedures performed, and more than 100,000 patient evaluations. His sports medicine training helps him evaluate the injured ligament, associated knee damage, and the patient’s activity goals before recommending nonsurgical treatment, ligament repair, or reconstruction.

Knee Ligament Anatomy

Four primary ligaments connect the femur, or thighbone, to the tibia, or shinbone, and help stabilize the knee.

  • Medial collateral ligament: Supports the inner side of the knee and limits excessive inward movement.

  • Lateral collateral ligament: Supports the outer side of the knee and limits excessive outward movement.

  • Anterior cruciate ligament: Helps control forward movement and rotation of the tibia.

  • Posterior cruciate ligament: Helps prevent the tibia from moving too far backward.

The collateral ligaments are located along the sides of the knee, while the cruciate ligaments cross inside the joint. Damage to one or more of these structures may affect stability, movement, and the ability to pivot or change direction.

Knee Ligament Injuries

Knee ligament sprains and tears may occur during sports, exercise, falls, motor vehicle accidents, or other traumatic events. Sudden twisting, a direct blow to the knee, or an awkward landing can place excessive force on one or more ligaments.

A damaged ligament may cause the knee to become unstable or feel as though it will give way. Patients may also experience pain, swelling, reduced motion, and difficulty pivoting, turning, or changing direction. The severity of these symptoms depends on the ligament involved and whether the meniscus, cartilage, or other structures were injured at the same time.

When Is Knee Ligament Reconstruction Recommended?

Some knee ligament injuries can be treated without surgery. Nonsurgical care may include activity modification, rest, ice, compression, elevation, medication, a knee brace, and progressive physical therapy.

Ligament reconstruction may be considered when a torn ligament cannot be reliably repaired or when the knee remains unstable despite appropriate treatment.

Surgery may be recommended for patients with:

  • A complete ligament tear

  • Persistent knee instability

  • Difficulty returning to work, sports, or daily activities

  • Injuries involving multiple ligaments

  • Associated meniscus or cartilage damage

  • Recurrent episodes of the knee giving way

  • Limited improvement after nonsurgical care

The decision is based on the injured ligament, tear pattern, knee stability, age, activity level, and treatment goals.

ACL Reconstruction

ACL Primary Repair Using the TightRope® RT Implant With InternalBrace™ Ligament Augmentation

All-Inside ACL Reconstruction with Arthrex® GraftLink®

ACL Primary Repair Using the TightRope® RT Implant With InternalBrace™ Ligament Augmentation

ACL Repair And Reconstruction Technology

ACL treatment depends on the location and pattern of the tear, tissue quality, knee stability, and the patient’s activity goals.

Primary ACL repair may be considered for selected tears in which the existing ligament can be reattached. In qualifying cases, Dr. Cohen may use the TightRope® RT implant with InternalBrace™ ligament augmentation to support the repaired tissue during healing.

When the ACL cannot be reliably repaired, reconstruction may be recommended. Dr. Cohen may use an all-inside ACL reconstruction technique with the Arthrex® GraftLink® system in appropriate cases. This minimally invasive approach uses a tendon graft to replace the damaged ligament and restore knee stability.

Types Of Knee Ligament Reconstruction

Selected MCL or LCL tears may be treated with primary repair when tissue quality, tear location, and timing of the injury permit reattachment. Chronic collateral ligament tears and many ACL or PCL injuries are more commonly treated with reconstruction.

During reconstruction, the damaged ligament is replaced with a tendon graft. An autograft uses tissue from the patient’s own body, while an allograft uses donor tissue.

Possible graft options include:

  • Patellar tendon autograft

  • Hamstring tendon autograft

  • Quadriceps tendon autograft

  • Patellar tendon allograft

  • Achilles tendon allograft

  • Semitendinosus tendon allograft

  • Posterior tibialis tendon allograft

The graft choice depends on the ligament involved, age, activity level, anatomy, previous procedures, and recovery goals. Reconstruction is commonly performed with arthroscopic assistance.

Potential Risks And Complications Of Knee Ligament Reconstruction

As with any surgery, knee ligament reconstruction has potential risks and complications.

These may include:

  • Infection

  • Bleeding

  • Blood clots

  • Knee stiffness

  • Continued pain

  • Persistent or recurrent instability

  • Graft stretching or failure

  • Nerve or blood vessel injury

  • Complications related to anesthesia

  • Rare disease transmission when donor tissue is used

Dr. Cohen reviews the risks associated with the planned procedure, graft selection, medical history, and activity level before surgery.

Knee Ligament Reconstruction Recovery

Most patients return home the same day as knee ligament reconstruction. A brace and crutches may be needed to protect the graft and limit weight-bearing during the early recovery period.

Physical therapy is an essential part of rehabilitation and may focus on:

  • Reducing pain and swelling

  • Restoring range of motion

  • Rebuilding muscle strength

  • Improving balance and knee control

  • Protecting the healing graft

  • Preparing for work, exercise, or sports

Recovery varies depending on the ligament reconstructed, the graft used, associated injuries, overall health, and activity goals. Return to running, pivoting, and competitive sports requires progressive rehabilitation and clearance from Dr. Cohen.

Why Choose Dr. Cohen?

OVER 25+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

One of the first orthopedic surgeons employed by a large hospital. Dr. Cohen spent 20 years.

TRUSTED BY OVER 100,000+ PATIENTS WORLDWIDE

Over his distinguished career, Dr. Cohen has cultivated a reputation of excellence and trust among his patients and his peers.

UTILIZING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY

To achieve the best surgical outcomes, Dr. Cohen uses the most advanced technologies and techniques, keeping his practice state-of-the-art.

PATIENT SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY

An individualized, patient-focused process coupled with decades of training and experience helps ensure maximum safety for all of Dr. Cohen’s patients.

Read Dr.Cohen’s Bio

Knee Ligament Reconstruction Care in Chillicothe, OH

Knee ligament reconstruction may help restore stability when a torn ligament cannot be repaired or nonsurgical treatment does not provide sufficient function. Dr. Cohen evaluates the ligament injury, associated knee damage, activity demands, and recovery goals before recommending surgery. Each procedure and rehabilitation plan is tailored to the patient and the ligament involved. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian Cohen, call ((614) 788-0375.

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