Knee ligament injury treatment in Dubai

Where in Dubai

Dr. Subhash Ushakoyala, Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon, sees knee ligament injuries at Grand Infinity Medical Center in Al Muteena, Deira, Dubai. If you were first treated in an emergency department after a road accident or a fall, bring the discharge letter, X-rays and any MRI report. He reviews the knee, explains which ligaments are involved and agrees a plan for bracing, physiotherapy or surgery.

What is a knee ligament injury?

Four main ligaments hold the knee together. The medial collateral ligament (MCL) runs down the inner side and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) down the outer side. The anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments (ACL and PCL) cross inside the joint. The MCL is the one injured most often, usually by a blow to the outside of the knee or a twisting fall. The PCL is usually torn by a hard blow to the front of a bent knee, such as hitting a car dashboard. A severe injury can tear several ligaments at once, sometimes with the knee dislocating. Many single-ligament injuries heal with a brace and exercises. Multi-ligament injuries usually need surgery.

Common signs

• Pain on the inner or outer side of the knee after a blow, a twist or a fall.
• A pop at the time of injury, then swelling.
• The knee feeling loose, or giving way, when you walk, turn or go down stairs.
• Stiffness, a limp, and difficulty straightening or bending the knee fully.
• Pain at the back of the knee after a fall onto a bent knee or a road accident.
• A knee that came out of joint, or several ligaments torn at once after a high-energy injury.

How Dr. Subhash approaches it

Dr. Subhash's CV lists ligament reconstruction among his keyhole knee operations, and trauma, including fractures, dislocations and polytrauma, is one of his main interests. In 2019 he attended a course on complex trauma around the knee. He grades each ligament injury and looks for damage to the meniscus, cartilage, bone, nerves and blood vessels. He then explains whether a brace and rehabilitation are enough or whether the ligaments need to be repaired or rebuilt.

What to expect

1. 01

   Consultation

   He asks how the injury happened, then examines the knee, comparing it with the other side to see which ligaments are loose.

2. 02

   Scans

   X-rays check for a fracture or a knee that is out of line. An MRI shows which ligaments are torn and how badly.

3. 03

   Brace and early movement

   Most MCL and many isolated PCL and LCL injuries are treated with a hinged brace, crutches for a while, and early exercises.

4. 04

   Surgery when needed

   Surgery is usually advised when several ligaments are torn, when the knee stays unstable, or when other parts of the knee are also damaged.

5. 05

   Rehabilitation

   Physiotherapy restores movement, then strength and balance, before a gradual return to work and sport.

Getting better

Every patient is different. These are typical milestones, not a promise; your own plan comes from your consultation.

• A mild MCL sprain often settles with a brace, ice and exercises.
• More severe single-ligament injuries take longer, and the brace and exercise plan is matched to the grade of injury.
• After ligament reconstruction, the graft takes several months to heal, and full recovery commonly takes six to twelve months.
• Return to sport is gradual, once movement, strength and control have come back.

Risks to know about

• A knee that is not treated properly can stay loose and lead to meniscus or cartilage damage.
• A knee dislocation can damage the main artery or nerve behind the knee, which is an emergency.
• After surgery: stiffness from scar tissue, infection, a blood clot, or the knee remaining loose. Multi-ligament injuries sometimes need more than one operation.

When to book a visit

Where to book