Ligament Repair
Surgical repair of torn tendons and ligaments.
Ligaments and tendons connect and stabilise joints throughout the body, and tears can occur from sudden injury or repetitive strain. While many ligament and tendon injuries heal with rest and physiotherapy, more significant tears - particularly those affecting joint stability - often need surgical repair to restore normal function.
Types
Collateral Ligament Repair
Repair of the ligaments on the sides of the knee, often treated non-surgically unless severely torn or combined with other injuries.
Ankle Ligament Repair
Repair or reconstruction of torn ankle ligaments following recurrent sprains or instability.
Tendon Repair
Direct repair of a torn tendon, reattaching it to bone or to itself depending on the injury.
Ligament Reconstruction
Used when a ligament is too damaged to repair directly, replacing it with a graft instead.
Common Causes
Ligament and tendon tears typically result from a specific injury involving excessive force or stretch beyond what the tissue can withstand.
- Sports injuries - sudden twisting, pivoting, or direct impact during sport.
- Ankle sprains - rolling or twisting the ankle, particularly if repeated over time without adequate rehabilitation.
- Falls - landing awkwardly can strain or tear ligaments and tendons in the wrist, knee, or ankle.
- Repetitive strain - overuse injuries gradually weakening a tendon until it tears.
- Direct trauma - a blow or laceration directly damaging a tendon or ligament.
Signs and Symptoms
- Pain and swelling at the site of injury
- Bruising developing over the following day or two
- A feeling of joint instability or giving way
- Difficulty using the affected joint normally
- In tendon tears, an inability to move the joint in the direction that tendon normally controls
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on clinical examination of joint stability and strength, supported by an MRI or ultrasound to confirm the extent and exact location of the tear before deciding on treatment.
Treatment Approach
Treatment depends on which ligament or tendon is involved, and how significant the tear is - many partial tears heal well with bracing and physiotherapy, while complete tears affecting stability often need surgical repair. Dr. K. G. Gopalakrishna assesses each injury individually to determine whether non-surgical treatment or surgical repair offers the better outcome.
Please note: This page is for general information only and does not replace a proper medical evaluation. Every case is different, and the underlying cause of your symptoms may not match what is described here. Please do not use this page to self-diagnose - consult Dr. K. G. Gopalakrishna or another qualified orthopaedic specialist for an accurate diagnosis specific to you.
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Last reviewed: August 2026