What is a Soft Tissue Surgery?

Soft tissue surgery involves the treatment of injuries or conditions affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues. These surgeries are typically performed to repair tears, restore joint stability, relieve pain, and help patients regain normal movement—especially after trauma, sports injuries, or degenerative changes.

Indications

Soft tissue surgery is recommended when certain signs or symptoms suggest damage that won’t heal on its own.

Tendon or ligament tears (e.g., ACL, rotator cuff, Achilles

Joint instability or repeated dislocations

Chronic pain not improving with rest or physiotherapy

Loss of strength or movement in the affected area

Sports injuries or trauma causing structural damage

Causes

Soft tissue injuries typically result from physical stress, trauma, or degeneration affecting muscles, tendons,
and ligaments

*Hover over each box to read more detailed information.*

Sports Injuries

High-impact or fast-paced sports often involve sudden stops, pivots, jumps, or collisions, which can lead to ligament and tendon tears.

Overuse & Repetitive Strain

Repeated movements or excessive load especially without proper rest can gradually weaken soft tissues, causing inflammation or microtears.

Trauma or Accidents

Falls, direct blows, or sudden impacts (like road accidents) can cause immediate damage to muscles, tendons, or ligaments.

Degeneration with Age

As we age, tendons and ligaments lose elasticity and strength, making them more prone to injury—even with minor strain.

Poor Training or Technique

Improper posture, lack of warm-up, or incorrect movement during exercise or physical activity increases the risk of soft tissue damage.

Types of Soft Tissue Surgeries

Soft tissue surgery is most often performed on the knee, shoulder, and Achilles tendon to repair injuries and restore movement.

Knee

They are often required after sports injuries or accidents. Common procedures include:

ACL Reconstruction
Meniscus Repair / Meniscectomy
MCL, PCL, LCL Repairs

They aim to restore knee strength, reduce pain, and help the patient return to daily activities or sports safely.

Achilles Tendon Repair

Ruptures typically occur during sudden or forceful movements, especially in active individuals.

The tendon is either stitched through an open incision or repaired via minimally invasive techniques.
Early rehabilitation helps speed up recovery and reduce the risk of complications.

This surgery helps patients regain strength in the ankle, walk properly, and return to athletic activity.

Shoulder

These injuries are common in athletes, heavy lifters, and due to age-related wear. Key procedures include:

Rotator Cuff Repair
Labral Repair (Bankart Repair)
Biceps Tenodesis / Tenotomy

The goal is to restore shoulder function, prevent dislocations, and relieve chronic pain.

*Hover over each box to read more detailed information.*

Recovery & Rehabilitation

Hospital Stay & Immediate Recovery

Hospital stay: Usually 1–2 days depending on the type of soft tissue surgery. Many procedures (like arthroscopic ones) are done as day-care surgeries..

Pain Management: Managed with prescribed medications (NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, or short-term opioids if needed). Ice packs and elevation help reduce swelling.

Early Movement: Gentle range of motion exercises or assisted walking may begin within 24–48 hours based on the site of surgery (e.g., knee, shoulder, ankle).

Physical Therapy & Long-Term Recovery

Weeks 1–2: Begin light physiotherapy and mobility work. Shoulder and knee patients may use slings or braces.
Weeks 3–5: Gradual increase in movement. Focus on regaining flexibility and reducing stiffness with supervised exercises.
Weeks 6–12: Return to routine non-physical work. Continue structured rehab for strength and balance.
Months 3–6: Most patients achieve full recovery. Physically active or athletic individuals may begin sports-specific training.
1 Year: Maximum functional recovery of strength, mobility, and stability.

Benefits

Restores joint stability and mobility.

Relieves pain that limits daily activity.

Prevents worsening of untreated injuries.

Enables return to work, sports, or routine life.

Minimally invasive options lead to faster recovery.

Risks & Complications

Infection or delayed wound healing (rare).

Swelling, stiffness, or bruising post-surgery.

Re-injury or incomplete healing if rehab isn’t followed.

Mild reactions to anesthesia or medications.

Knee Replacement (TKR)

Hip Replacement (THR)

Trauma & Fractures

Avascular Necrosis (AVN)

Joint Preservation Surgery

Soft Tissue Preservation