What is Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)?
While knees are composed of bones, ligaments, and cartilage, damage or tearing to the medial collateral ligament, which is located inner side of the knee, is termed an MCL injury. The partial or complete tear of the MCL is commonly observed in athletes or sports players (basketball, football) due to overuse of the knee joint or excessive pressure on the knee. Although it can be managed with physical therapy & the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression& Elevation of the knee while resting), severe knee injuries need surgical interventions, including MCL repair & MCL reconstruction surgeries.
Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injury Treatment
Treatment for a medial collateral ligament (MCL) low grade injury typically involves nonsurgical methods like:
- Avoiding activities that cause pain, and taking support from crutches to keep weight off the injured leg.
- Cold compression of the injured area several times a day, to reduce the swelling and pain.
- Use of compression bandage or brace to support the knee and elevate the leg above heart level to reduce swelling.
- Performing exercises to restore strength and range of motion once the initial pain and swelling subside.
| Procedure Name | Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) |
|---|---|
| Type of Surgery | Minor to Moderate surgery |
| Type of Anesthesia | General Anaesthesia |
| Procedure Duration | 45 minutes to a few hours |
| Recovery Duration | Few months |
Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL): Pre-Op & Post-Op Care
Medial collateral ligament injury treatment involves either repair of the injured ligament or reconstruction, depending upon the severity and extent of the injury.
MCL surgery procedure includes
MCL Repair:
- After administering anaesthesia, a small incision is made over the injured MCL to access the ligament.
- After evaluating the severity of MCL injury and associated injuries, the decision to either repair or reconstruct the ligament is decided.
- If the MCL can be repaired, the surgeon reattaches the ligament to the bone using sutures or other fixation devices
- The incision is closed with sutures or surgical staples, and a sterile dressing is applied.
MCL Reconstruction Surgery:
- A larger incision is made over the knee after anaesthesia to access the damaged MCL.
- A graft is harvested from the patient’s own tissue (autograft) or from a donor (allograft).
- Using specialised instruments, the surgeon creates tunnels in the thigh bone (femur) and lower leg bone (tibia) to accommodate the graft.
- The graft is passed through the tunnels and secured to the bone using screws, staples, or other fixation devices.
- The graft is tensioned to approximate the length and tension of the original MCL.
- The incisions are closed with sutures or surgical staples and a sterile dressing is covered over the surgical
Recovery after MCL Knee Surgery
Can vary depending on the severity of the injury, the type of surgery performed, and individual factors. Physical therapy usually begins early to restore range of motion and prevent stiffness, which, in later stages, improves strength, flexibility, and function. Overall, a full recovery can take several months
Benefits of Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) at Yashoda Hospitals
- Advanced Arthroscopic Procedure
- Least Invasive Technique
- Smaller Incisions & Less Scars
- Minimal Soft Tissue Trauma
- Less Postoperative Pain
- Shorter Hospital Stay & Faster Recovery
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