 [ Symptoms ] what are other possible early side effects from radiation therapy [ Disease ] hi… that really depends on the amount of tear in the ligaments if it is a partial tear more than 50 of the fibers then the operation is essential if less than that there would be a possibility of being in a cast for few weeks until healing occurs then you will have to get a 3 6 months of rehabilitation and physiotherapy if you can send the mri slices here in a comment that would help in telling you if it is essential or not … regards