Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)

Medial collateral ligament (MCL) is one of four major ligaments of the knee that connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone) and is present on the inside of the knee joint. This ligament helps stabilize the knee. An injury to the MCL may occur as a result of direct impact to the knee. An MCL injury can result in a minor stretch (sprain) or a partial or complete tear of the ligament. The most common symptoms following an MCL injury include pain, swelling, and joint instability.

Diagnosis

An MCL injury can be diagnosed with a thorough physical examination of the knee and diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRI scans, and arthroscopy. X-rays may help rule out any fractures. In addition, Dr. Faucett will perform a valgus stress test to check for stability of the MCL. In this test, the knee is bent approximately 30° and pressure is applied on the outside surface of the knee. Excessive pain or laxity is indicative of medial collateral ligament injury.

Management

If the overall stability of the knee is intact, Dr. Faucett will recommend non-surgical methods including ice, physical therapy, and bracing. A brace is a very helpful way to stabilize the knee and  speed up your recovery.

Surgical reconstruction is recommended for severe MCL tears but may be necessary in patients who have not healed properly with residual knee instability. These cases are often associated with other ligament injuries. If surgery is required, a ligament repair may be performed, with or without reconstruction with a tendon graft, depending on the location and severity of the injury.

Indications and Contraindications

Medial collateral ligament reconstruction is indicated in patients with chronic MCL instability despite appropriate nonsurgical treatment.

Medial collateral ligament reconstruction is contraindicated in patients with degenerative changes in the medial or lateral compartment, active infection, ligament instability, or presence of chronic diseases that can hamper surgical management or compliance to postoperative rehabilitation instructions.

Procedure

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Arthroscopic examination of the knee may be performed to rule out any associated injuries including anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears.

The surgical procedure for medial collateral ligament reconstruction involves the following steps:

• Your surgeon will make an incision over the inner part of the knee medial femoral condyle.
• Care is taken to protect the muscles, tendons and nerves.
• The graft is usually harvested from the patient’s own hamstrings. Alternatively tissue from the tissue bank (cadaver) can be used.
• The normal attachment point of the MCL on the femur is identified. A small socket is drilled in the bone.
• The hamstrings are brought to the normal attachment appointment on the tibia and secured using bone anchors (similar to dry wall anchors).
• The graft is then placed in the socket.
• The MCL graft is made taut, with the knee at 20° flexion under varus stress, and fixed to the in the femur with a screw.
• The incision is closed with sutures and covered with sterile dressings.

Post Operative Care

In the first two weeks after the surgery, limb supported (20 lbs of pressure) weight bearing  is allowed with the knee brace locked in full extension. After 2 weeks 0° to 30° of motion is allowed at the knee. At 4 weeks, knee flexion is allowed from 60° to 90° of motion and full weight bearing is permitted. At 6 weeks, the brace is removed and you are allowed to perform full range of motion. Crutches are often required until you regain your normal strength.

Patients are allowed to return to sports at 6 months with an isolated injury and maybe longer with more complex injuries/surgery.

Risks and Complications

Knee stiffness and residual instability are the most common complications associated with MCL reconstruction. The other possible complications include:

• Numbness
• Infection
• Blood clots (Deep vein thrombosis)
• Nerve and blood vessel damage
• Failure of the graft
• Loosening of the graft
• Decreased range of motion

At a Glance

Dr. Scott Faucett

• Internationally Recognized Orthopedic Surgeon
• Voted Washingtonian Top Doctor
• Ivy League Educated & Fellowship-Trained
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