Risks:

The risks from any anesthesia are:

• Allergic reactions to medicines
• Breathing problems

The risks from any surgery are:

• Bleeding
• Infection

Other risks from this surgery are:

• Blood clot in the leg
• Failure of the ligament to heal
• Failure of the surgery to relieve symptoms
• Injury to a nearby blood vessel
• Pain in the knee
• Stiffness of the knee or lost range of motion
• Weakness of the knee

After the Procedure:

You will probably go home the day of your surgery. You may have to wear a knee brace for the first 1 to 4 weeks. You also may need crutches for 1 to 4 weeks. Most people are allowed to move their knee right after surgery to help prevent stiffness. You may need medicine to manage your pain.

Physical therapy can help many people regain motion and strength in their knee. Therapy can last 2 to 6 months.

How soon you return to work will depend on the kind of work you do. It can be anywhere from a few days to a few months. A full return to activities and sports usually takes 4 to 6 months.