Factors leading to ligament re-injury post-surgery

Ligament re-rupture can be caused by various factors such as joint structure, technique used during surgery, lack of compliance with rehabilitation, and returning to work or sports too soon. Dr. Tran Anh Vu, an expert in sports medicine at Tam Anh General Hospital, explained that failure rates after ligament surgery can range from 5-20%, depending on the specific case and surgical technique. In cases of multiple ligament ruptures, the recovery process is slower and the risk of re-rupture is higher.

There are both subjective and objective causes of failure after ligament replacement surgery. Factors such as wide tibial tunnels, excessive ligament swing, and inadequate surgical techniques or ligament materials can contribute to failure. Patients not following the prescribed rehabilitation program, returning to activities too soon, poor nutrition, obesity, smoking, or excessive pressure on the joints can also increase the risk of ligament re-rupture.

In the first four months of the year, Tam Anh General Hospital treated 500 cases of ligament injuries, with around 20% of them experiencing re-ruptures. This was mainly due to patients returning to sports prematurely or falling before the ligament had fully healed from the previous surgery. Two case studies were highlighted to illustrate the consequences of ligament re-rupture and the importance of proper rehabilitation.

Patients undergoing ligament reconstruction surgery need to carefully follow the post-operative rehabilitation plan to strengthen ligaments, muscles, and cartilage. Modern surgical techniques like the all inside method can help minimize soft tissue damage and expedite recovery. Rehabilitation exercises are crucial for restoring joint function and preventing re-rupture, and patients should not rush back to sports until cleared by their doctor.

Dr. Vu emphasized the significance of personalized rehabilitation programs tailored to each patient’s condition and advised against early return to sports without medical approval. Using advanced technology like the Dyneelax ligament assessment robot and modern equipment for training can help patients recover faster and reduce the risk of ligament re-rupture. Patients should be patient and listen to their bodies, following the guidance of their healthcare provider for a successful recovery.