Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Reconstruction

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is one of four major ligaments of the knee that connects the femur (thighbone) to the tibia (shinbone). It is located on the inside of the knee joint and helps stabilize the knee. A direct impact to the knee could cause injury to the MCL with a minor stretch (sprain), a partial tear, or even a complete tear of the ligament.

If the overall stability of the knee is intact, your doctor will recommend non-surgical methods including ice, physical therapy and bracing to treat the injury. However, if your injury fails to heal properly and there is still residual knee instability, MCL reconstruction, though rarely recommended for this kind of tear, may be necessary. Often associated with other ligament injuries, a ligament repair may be performed, with or without reconstruction with a tendon graft, depending on the location and severity of the injury. Surgery is usually carried out with the help of an arthroscope, using a few small incisions.