Preventing stiffness after ligament surgery

Using new generation ligaments, rehabilitation exercises, and appropriate home care help prevent joint stiffness in patients after surgery.

Patients after ligament replacement surgery often experience joint pain and stiffness, difficulty moving and exercising, especially when performing bending and stretching movements.

Master, Doctor, CKII Tran Anh Vu, Head of the Department of Sports Medicine and Endoscopy, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, said that stiffness after artificial ligament replacement can occur due to long-term cast, cartilage damage, and inadequate rehabilitation... The most common of these is the use of old-generation artificial ligaments, made from carbon material that is easily broken in the human body. The manipulation of braiding ligament fibers during intervention often causes the fibers to lose their elasticity and flexibility.

Doctor Vu (middle) during ligament reconstruction surgery for a patient. Photo: Provided by the hospital

According to Dr. Vu, patients can reduce the risk of joint stiffness after ligament reconstruction surgery in two ways:

Using a new generation of improved ligaments that are suitable for the body's physiology, made from a chain of 3,000 single polyethylene terephthalate fibers, it is highly flexible and supple. Patients can move comfortably, recovery time is shortened, they can walk after 1-2 days of surgery and return to sports after 6 months, according to Dr. Vu.

Adherence to rehabilitation : When ligament replacement is indicated, most patients have severe injuries and a poor prognosis without surgery. Rehabilitation helps reduce post-operative injuries and improve balance, thereby helping patients recover faster.

Proper rehabilitation exercises can improve the rate of postoperative stiffness, restore muscle strength and range of motion of the joint after a long period of immobilization due to surgery. Rehabilitation regimens are individualized for each person according to their medical condition and health conditions.

New generation artificial ligament. Photo: Provided by the hospital

According to Dr. Vu, the use of artificial ligaments in ligament reconstruction surgery is widely applied and increasingly popular because it brings many benefits. However, this method also has certain risks. To ensure safety and best results, patients should be treated at reputable medical facilities.

Doctor Vu suggests some additional methods to reduce joint stiffness at home such as applying cold compresses for 15-20 minutes, gently massaging stiff joints and practicing flexion and extension movements, using pain relievers...

Patients should supplement vitamin C and zinc to improve overall health and reduce pain. Do not eat foods containing nicotine, caffeine and alcohol such as cigarettes, beer, coffee, energy drinks. These foods slow down the recovery process and increase the risk of complications such as joint pain, stiffness, venous thrombosis...

Stiffness is a temporary complication that often occurs after patients have artificial ligament replacement. In mild cases, this condition does not affect motor function too much. However, if stiffness lasts more than 30 minutes, or even several days, it can be a warning sign of serious bone and joint diseases. Patients need to see a doctor for timely diagnosis and intervention.

Hong Phuc

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