Ligament Preservation and Repair in Sherman Oaks and Santa Clarita, CA
Dr. Alireza Nazemi, MD, provides orthopedic evaluation and treatment planning for ligament injuries affecting joint stability and movement in Sherman Oaks and Santa Clarita, California. Depending on the injury, treatment may involve preserving or repairing existing ligament tissue, reconstructing the ligament, or using non-surgical approaches to support recovery and function.
What is Ligament Preservation/Repair?
Ligament preservation/repair is a surgical procedure to correct and restore a torn or damaged ligament by replacing it with a graft or by removing the injured ends and suturing the remaining healthy ends of the ligament together. This procedure can be performed for ligaments of the shoulder, elbow, knee, and ankle.
Ligaments and Ligament Injuries
Ligaments are bands of tough elastic tissues around your joints. They connect one bone to another. Ligaments provide support to your joints and regulate their movements. Ligaments are present in your knees, ankles, shoulders, elbows, and other joints.
The ligaments can be injured during contact sports such as football, soccer, and basketball. The other causes of ligament injuries include accidents and degenerative wear and tear.
Indications for Ligament Preservation/Repair
Your surgeon may recommend a ligament preservation/repair if you have:
Ligament injury
Advanced osteoarthritis that has not responded to non-surgical treatments
Procedure: Ligament Preservation/Repair
Ligament preservation/repair is usually performed under general anesthesia.
An incision (cut) is made at the specific site.
Your surgeon can either perform ligament preservation/repair through a single long cut called a traditional open surgery or through 2-4 tiny incisions using an arthroscope, called arthroscopic surgery.
The surgical repair of a torn/injured ligament can be accomplished through either of the methods below:
Your orthopedic surgeon may reconstruct the torn ligament using a tissue graft taken from another part of your body or from a donor. Gradually, over a period of a few months, the graft heals. Or,
Your orthopedic surgeon may remove the damaged part of the ligament and stitch the healthy ends together.
Upon completion, the incisions are closed and covered with a bandage.
Post-Operative Care for Ligament Preservation/Repair
You may be required to stay in the hospital for a day or two to monitor your recovery.
You will be prescribed medications to prevent blood clots.
Swelling and discomfort can be managed with pain relief medications.
You will be referred to a physical therapist soon after your surgery to regain range of motion.
You will be encouraged to move around to keep your joints active and facilitate a quicker recovery.
You should follow your surgeon’s advice regarding activities post-surgery.
You should visit your doctor for a follow-up examination after surgery to monitor your progress.
What are the Risks and Complications of Ligament Preservation/Repair?
Every surgical procedure carries some amount of risk. Similarly, ligament preservation/repair may also have certain risks and complications. These may include:
- Complications from anesthesia
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Nerve injury
- Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot)
What are the Benefits/Advantages of Ligament Preservation/Repair?
Ligament preservation/repair helps restore a torn or damaged ligament to a healthy state enhancing your quality of life. If you are an athlete, ligament preservation will help you return to your high-level sports after a period of rehabilitation.
Why Choose Dr. Alireza Nazemi for Ligament Preservation and Repair in Sherman Oaks and Santa Clarita?
Ligament injuries can affect joint stability, mobility, and the ability to participate in everyday activities or sports. Dr. Alireza Nazemi provides orthopedic evaluation to help patients understand their injury and determine an appropriate treatment plan based on the affected joint, injury severity, and individual goals.
- Personalized assessment: Evaluation of ligament damage, joint stability, and functional limitations.
- Treatment options: Guidance on appropriate non-surgical care, ligament repair, or reconstruction when indicated.
- Joint-focused care: Assessment of ligament injuries affecting areas such as the knee, shoulder, elbow, and ankle, depending on the services offered.
- Recovery planning: Recommendations for rehabilitation and a gradual return to daily activities or sports.
Patients in Sherman Oaks, Santa Clarita, and surrounding Southern California communities can contact the practice to discuss an evaluation for a ligament injury.
Ligament Preservation and Repair FAQs
What is ligament preservation and repair?
Ligament preservation and repair refers to treatment approaches intended to retain or restore the function of an injured ligament. Depending on the damage, a surgeon may repair existing tissue or reconstruct the ligament using a tendon graft.
What causes ligament injuries?
Ligaments may be injured during sports, falls, accidents, sudden twisting movements, or repetitive stress. The severity can range from a mild sprain to a complete tear.
When is ligament repair or reconstruction necessary?
Surgery may be considered when a ligament injury causes significant instability, the tissue cannot heal adequately, or symptoms persist despite appropriate non-surgical treatment. The decision depends on the affected ligament and the patient's needs.
What is the difference between ligament repair and reconstruction?
Ligament repair involves restoring the existing ligament when the tissue is suitable for repair. Reconstruction uses a graft to replace or rebuild a ligament that is too damaged to be repaired effectively.
Can ligament injuries heal without surgery?
Yes. Some ligament injuries improve with rest, activity modification, bracing, and physical therapy. More severe injuries may require surgical evaluation, particularly when they cause persistent joint instability.
How long does recovery from ligament repair take?
Recovery varies depending on the joint involved, the type of procedure, and the severity of the injury. Rehabilitation may take several months, and returning to sports or strenuous activity requires clearance from the treating surgeon.
What are the potential risks of ligament surgery?
Potential risks include infection, bleeding, blood clots, nerve injury, stiffness, and persistent instability. Your orthopedic surgeon can explain the risks specific to the recommended procedure.
Which joints can undergo ligament repair?
Ligament repair or reconstruction may be performed on the knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle, and other joints. The appropriate procedure depends on the injured ligament and the patient's condition.
Where can I seek ligament injury treatment near Sherman Oaks or Santa Clarita?
Patients in Sherman Oaks, Santa Clarita, and nearby communities can contact Dr. Alireza Nazemi's practice to inquire about an orthopedic evaluation and discuss appropriate treatment options for ligament injuries.
Schedule a Ligament Injury Consultation in Sherman Oaks or Santa Clarita
If joint pain, instability, or a ligament injury is limiting your daily activities or athletic performance, an orthopedic assessment can help clarify your treatment options. Contact Dr. Alireza Nazemi, MD, to inquire about a consultation in Sherman Oaks or Santa Clarita, California, and discuss a treatment plan suited to your injury and recovery goals.
