Multiligamentous Knee Injury in San Antonio, TX
What Is a Multiligamentous Knee Injury?
A multiligamentous knee injury involves the tearing of two or more major knee ligaments — the ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL or posterolateral corner structures — in a single traumatic event. These injuries often occur in motor vehicle accidents, contact sports collisions, falls from height or industrial accidents. When enough ligaments are disrupted, the knee dislocates — an injury that carries a significant risk of damage to the popliteal artery and the peroneal nerve, making vascular assessment an immediate priority.
These injuries are among the most complex in orthopedic surgery. The surgical planning, sequence of reconstruction and rehabilitation protocol are fundamentally different from a simple single-ligament injury, and outcomes are highly sensitive to the experience of the treating surgeon.
Immediate Evaluation Is Critical
Any patient with a knee dislocation — even a spontaneously reduced one where the knee appears relatively normal on arrival — requires urgent vascular assessment. Popliteal artery injury occurs in a meaningful percentage of these cases and must be identified quickly. If you or someone you know has sustained this type of injury, emergency evaluation is not optional.
Surgical Planning
I approach multiligamentous reconstruction with staged or combined procedures depending on the specific ligament pattern, tissue quality and any associated injuries. The ACL and PCL typically require reconstruction with graft tissue. The MCL and posterolateral corner are often repaired primarily when acute, but reconstructed if seen in a chronic or delayed setting. The sequence and timing of procedures is planned around vascular integrity, soft tissue healing and the prevention of arthrofibrosis.
Preoperative MRI and clinical examination together drive the surgical plan. I am transparent with patients that recovery from these injuries is measured in months to over a year, and that the functional outcome depends significantly on neurovascular status at the time of injury and the thoroughness of the reconstruction.
Recovery
Recovery from multiligamentous reconstruction is the longest rehabilitation process in knee surgery. Most patients require 9 to 18 months before return to full activity. Staged reconstruction, aggressive but appropriately paced physical therapy and realistic expectations are the pillars of a good outcome. I partner closely with rehabilitation specialists experienced in complex knee reconstruction throughout this process.
If you have been told your injury is too complex for reconstruction or that your prognosis is poor, a second opinion with a surgeon experienced in multiligamentous injuries is worthwhile before accepting a permanent limitation.
Ready to take the next step? Call (210) 878-4113 or request an appointment at sportssurgeryspecialist.com.
