Medial Collateral Ligament Repair & Reconstruction

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is the ligament that is located on the inner part of the knee joint. It runs from the femur (thigh bone) to the top of the tibia (shin bone) and helps in stabilizing the knee. Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury can result in a stretch, partial tear, or complete tear of the ligament. Injuries to the MCL commonly occur as a result of trauma forces to the outside part of the knee.

Most MCL tears do well with non-surgical treatment and can heal within 3 months, wearing a hinged brace for protection. Some tears that fail to heal require surgery to restore knee stability

Surgical Technique

One or two incisions are made along the inner part of the knee. For a MCL repair, the torn end is sutured and secured to the bone with anchors. For a MCL reconstruction, a graft is fixed in the femur with a screw, tensioned, and then fixed to the tibia with a screw and washer. The tissues are closed and dressing applied.

Post-operative care

A knee brace should be used during walking in the first 2 weeks after surgery. Avoid climbing stairs, squatting and stretching your leg until there is adequate healing of the graft. Rehabilitation exercises will be recommended for range of motion and strength. Return to full activities is usually 5-6 months after surgery.