Surgery is usually recommended within the first two weeks after a knee dislocation, if the knee has a good range of motion. Trying to operate on a stiff knee can make the surgery less effective. For patients with a good range of motion and no additional problems, surgery is done to repair the torn ligaments and menisci.

Surgery for a multi-ligament knee injury is serious. It’s best to repair all the damaged ligaments and menisci in one surgery to avoid over-stressing any one area. The surgery should be done efficiently to reduce the time under anesthesia and improve outcomes. Drs. Mehran and Muffly have a great deal of experience with these injuries. This is another type of injury that can benefit from there two experienced surgeon approach to decrease the time patient is under anesthesia and minimize complications.

Most people with sports-related knee dislocations recover well after surgery. Serious artery injuries are rare during sports injuries and multi-ligament reconstruction surgery is generally effective.

For high-velocity injuries, like those from car accidents, recovery can be less predictable due to more extensive damage to soft tissues and arteries. These patients might need closer monitoring of their nerves and blood vessels.

These types of injuries have far greater risks of developing post traumatic arthritis due to the extent of damage and surgery required compared to a simple single ligament tear. This often happens because some cartilage might be damaged or killed during the initial injury. There are no great treatments for this, but strengthening the muscles around the knee can help. Strong muscles improve shock absorption and help keep the knee joint healthier. Additionally, maintain a healthy body weight is important to decrease the forces the knee will experience. Finally, saving the meniscus is also important; removing it can increase the risk of arthritis down the line.

1. Physical Therapy:
   • When to Start: Physical therapy begins 1 or 2 days after surgery.
   • Purpose: This helps prevent the knee from becoming stiff and ensures the repaired ligaments don’t stretch out.
   • Avoiding Stiffness: Working on knee movement right after surgery is crucial. Avoiding putting a pillow under the knee and sitting in a semi-flexed position can also decrease your risk of stiffness.

1. Weight Bearing:

1. • First Six Weeks: You should not put weight on your leg during the first six weeks after surgery.
   • Driving: You can usually start driving around 7 to 8 weeks after surgery if you’re comfortable.

1. Rehabilitation Phases:

1. • Second Phase: Start endurance and strength exercises.
   • Agility Exercises: Begin these around 4-6 months after surgery if you’ve met the earlier recovery goals.
   • Running Progression: Start running exercises during this phase if your knee is ready.

1. Returning to Sports:

1. • Timeline: For true multi-ligament knee injuries many patients can return to sports 12 to 18 months after surgery, depending on how well the rehabilitation goes and depending on the extent of the damage.