Knee swelling after ligament reconstruction surgery

Jun 01, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lin Yunfei

Introduction

The knee generally refers to the knee joint. Swelling of the knee after ligament reconstruction surgery may result from excessive removal of the synovial membrane during joint cleaning, inadequate drainage of irrigation fluid, prolonged standing, or similar factors. Patients can choose appropriate treatment options based on their specific condition. Additionally, swelling could also be caused by postoperative infection or recurrence of injury. It is recommended that patients seek timely follow-up evaluation at a hospital if they experience the above symptoms.

The knee generally refers to the knee joint. Swelling of the knee after ligament reconstruction surgery may result from excessive removal of synovial tissue, inadequate drainage of irrigation fluid, prolonged standing, or other factors. Patients can choose appropriate treatments based on their specific conditions. Details are as follows:

1. Excessive removal of synovial tissue in the knee joint

If excessive irrigation of the knee joint is performed during surgery, it may damage the capillaries within the joint and lead to incomplete hemostasis. This can result in significant postoperative fluid or blood leakage into the joint space, causing visible swelling of the knee. In such cases, joint aspiration (fluid drainage via needle) at a hospital is usually required.

2. Inadequate drainage of irrigation fluid

If a large amount of irrigation fluid is used during surgery but not thoroughly drained from the joint, patients may experience knee swelling and pain during recovery. The swollen area may feel fluctuant upon palpation. In mild cases, the body can gradually absorb the retained fluid on its own. However, if the condition is severe, a puncture drainage procedure may be necessary.

3. Prolonged standing

Remaining in a standing position for extended periods after surgery without adequate rest can impair blood circulation and obstruct venous return, leading to postoperative knee swelling. In such cases, patients should rest more and take medications such as Sanqi injury pills or Synovitis tablets as directed by their physician.

In addition, swelling may also be caused by postoperative infection, recurrence of injury, or other reasons. It is recommended that patients seek timely follow-up medical evaluation if they experience the above symptoms. Doctors will determine and implement appropriate treatment based on the individual situation.

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What are the consequences of long-term excessive running?

Long-term excessive running may lead to muscle damage, which can be treated with local compression bandaging, cold compresses, or medications such as ibuprofen tablets and nimesulide dispersible tablets. It may also cause knee injuries, treatable with diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, celecoxib capsules, or ligament reconstruction surgery. Additionally, it could result in neurasthenia, which can be managed with medications such as sertraline hydrochloride tablets or fluoxetine hydrochloride capsules.

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Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgical Procedure

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery primarily involves adding a graft to replace the function of the ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. The procedure should be performed at a正规 hospital, with the following specific steps: 1) After entering the operating room, the patient lies supine on the operating table. The anesthesiologist administers local anesthesia to the knee joint, while the surgeon disinfects the patient's knee area.