As most ligament tears can’t be stitched together, ligament reconstruction surgery can be carried out to replace torn ligaments with a graft using one of the patient’s ligaments (known as an autograft). In some cases, a donor tendon can be used (allograft).
Initially you will be given a splint which will later be replaced with a brace to limit the movement of the joint while beginning exercises to strengthen it. Many patients are able to return to a full range of movement around six weeks after surgery and to their normal sporting activities between six months and a year after surgery. If your sport involves throwing it may take up to a year before you can resume competitive sports. Your surgeon will be able to discuss your recovery in more detail with you