Knee tendon and ligament repair

Knee tendon and ligament repair typically involves surgical procedures to treat tears or ruptures of key structures that support the knee joint. Both tendons and ligaments are bands of connective tissue that give the knee structure and stability. Tendons connect muscle to bone, while ligaments bind bone to bone.

The goal of tendon and ligament repair is to restore knee stability and function, allowing you to return to normal activities after a period of rehabilitation. At Penn Medicine, our orthopaedic knee surgeons are at the forefront of advanced treatments. We offer personalized care plans, backed by cutting-edge research and the latest surgical techniques. From athletes to everyday individuals, we're dedicated to helping you regain your mobility and quality of life.

Candidates for knee tendon and ligament repair usually have complete tears or severe partial tears in key structures like the patellar tendon, quadriceps tendon, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), or medial collateral ligament (MCL). These injuries often happen during sports, falls, or accidents. Surgery is often considered for those who haven’t improved with nonsurgical treatments, need full knee function for their lifestyle, and are in good overall health.

The decision for repair is made on a case-by-case basis, considering factors like the severity and location of the tear, and your age, activity level, and other knee conditions. Younger, active people may be prioritized for surgery due to the higher risk of re-injury or further damage if left untreated.

Ultimately, the decision to undergo surgical repair should be made with an orthopaedic specialist who will assess your injury and recommend the best treatment option based on your specific needs.

Recovery usually takes several months and includes a structured rehabilitation program, though the timeline can vary based on the specific surgery and individual factors.

In the first few weeks, the focus is on pain and swelling control, protecting the surgical site, and slowly regaining movement. People often use crutches and may wear a knee brace for additional support. Physical therapy typically starts within a week, beginning with gentle exercises for flexibility and strength.

As you heal, exercises become more intense to build muscle, improve balance, and restore normal knee function. Most people can return to daily activities within a few weeks, depending on the procedure and how quickly they improve. However, full recovery, especially for athletes or those returning to high-impact activities, can take several months to a year. Working closely with your surgeon and physical therapist is essential to support proper healing and avoid re-injury.

All surgeries have some risks, but serious complications arising from knee tendon surgery or knee ligament surgery are rare. Risks vary depending on the exact procedure and individual patient and may include:

• Infection in the surgical wound or around the repaired tendon or ligament
• Detachment or re-tearing of the repaired tendon or ligament, especially early in the healing process
• Weakness, loss of motion, or knee instability
• Ongoing pain or stiffness
• Blood clots, specifically deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Damage to nerves or blood vessels around the knee
• Problems with wound healing or bleeding

Your Penn Medicine care team will discuss your specific risks with you.

People come to Penn Medicine Orthopaedics to be treated by our experts in knee surgery. We are leaders in orthopaedic research, clinical trials, advanced imaging, and the latest surgical techniques. Known for our highly personalized treatment plans and compassionate care, we have helped some of the world’s most elite athletes get back on the field at the highest levels of competition—and we can help you, too.