Is Knee Replacement Surgery Advisable For MCL Or ACL Ligament Tears In The Knee?

Posted on Mon, 2 Apr 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 2 Apr 2018 Answered on

Wed, 7 Jun 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : how can a knee replacement fix torn ACL/ MCL and menisics

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It is usually not an option.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Unfortunately, injury of the ligaments and menisci are not indications/reasons for total knee replacement. It is mainly done in persons with severe pain or limited mobility due to arthritis.

Reconstructive surgery of the ligaments and menisci is an option for badly damaged ligaments/menisci but in general replacement of the knee is not done.

It would be best to speak to your orthopedic specialist to discuss your options.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other options.

Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (12 minutes later)

my cartilage has a 4mm full- thickness defect at the weight bearing surface. I had two physical therapists look at my MRI findings and they think I need a knee replacement. So my question is how does a total knee replacement fix my torn ligaments that holds the knee in place. The MRI shows my ACL has chronic tearing, and thickening in the PCL. And there is a Longitudinal tear at the red-white junction extending to the superior articular surface from the posterior horn to ro.ot segment of the lateral meniscus

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Damaged menisci can lead to arthritis.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Severe pain and limited mobility are the main reasons for knee replacement. This is most commonly due to arthritis but can occur due to different causes.

The menisci help to absorb pressure on the knee and reduce friction/rubbing. If they are lost then a person may develop arthritis because of the surfaces rubbing against each other. If your menisci are severely damaged, then arthritis can occur with cause additional discomfort.

A knee replacement would be helpful.

In terms of the ligaments, in earlier years the ligaments were sacrificed during knee replacement but now they are retained in some cases. In your case, where the ACL and PCL are severely damaged, they may be removed in knee replacement.

Your therapist may consider an orthorpedic surgeon referral to find your best surgical options.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (50 minutes later)

My confusion is if the ligaments are removed or not repaired how does the new knee replacement maintain control and stays in place???

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
They have substitutes, also designed to maintain stability.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

With a knee replacement the main three surfaces of the knee may be replaced, they are knee implants that contain substitutes for the cruciate ligaments and others that do not because the ligaments are in good condition.

The artificial joint is also designed in a way that it maintains stability.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar