Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Reconstruction

What are medial collateral ligament injuries?

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is responsible for protecting against unusual twisting motions or buckling of the knee joint. This ligament is found along the inner portion of the knee and is the most commonly injured of the four main knee ligaments. Athletes involved in contact sports, such as wrestling or football, may sustain a substantial force on the outer knee resulting in the knee joint buckling inwards. This shifting of the knee joint causes stretching or even tearing of the MCL.

What is the treatment for MCL injuries?

Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries that are mild and fall into the lower grade categories can be sufficiently treated with non-surgical therapies alone. These treatments include applying a knee brace, rest, ice, compression, elevation, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs).

Patients who experience certain complete ligament ruptures or in whom non-surgical therapies have failed to provide relief may require surgical intervention to restore stability to the knee joint. Dr. Joseph D. Lamplot, orthopedic knee doctor, treats patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL, who are in need of MCL reconstruction.

How is MCL reconstruction performed?

Dr. Lamplot performs medial collateral ligament (MCL) repair or reconstruction using an mini-open technique. The injured ligament may be sutured back together or fixed directly to the bone with special surgical anchors that are secured within the bone. MCL injuries often require a tendon graft harvested from either the patient (autograft) or donor (allograft). The tendon graft is situated as close to the native MCL as possible to ensure the success of the ligament reconstruction. When the necessary reconstruction has been completed, the ligaments are evaluated for stability and security in addition to assessing the knee joint’s range of motion.

What is the recovery period like after MCL reconstruction?

The specific knee structures treated during surgery other than the MCL determine the recovery process after a successful medial collateral ligament (MCL) reconstruction. Patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL can expect a full recovery with a return to normal daily activities within 4-6 months. The following can be anticipated during the recovery process:

• The knee is placed in a hinged knee brace immediately after surgery.
• Pain, bruising, swelling, and general discomfort is normal during the first 5 to 7 days after surgery. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) along with rest, ice, and elevation can mitigate these post-operative symptoms.
• The key to a successful recovery following MCL reconstruction is active participation and completion of a physical rehabilitation program. This program begins as soon after surgery as possible. Patients work closely with the physical therapy team to restore function and stability to the knee joint.

MCL Reconstruction Surgeon