MCL Repair & Replacement – Getting Your Knee Back on Track
Knees take a lot of wear and tear, especially if you’re active. If you’ve injured your MCL (medial collateral ligament), you’re probably dealing with pain, swelling, and a knee that feels unstable, especially when turning or pivoting. While many MCL injuries heal on their own, some need surgical repair or reconstruction to restore full strength and stability. Here’s what you should know if you’re facing that decision.
What Is the MCL?
The MCL is a strong band of tissue that runs along the inner side of your knee. Its job is to keep your knee from bending too far inward. It often gets injured during sports or accidents where the knee is forced sideways, especially when the foot is planted.
How Do MCL Injuries Happen?
Common causes include:
- A direct blow to the outside of the knee
- Quick changes in direction (think football, skiing, or soccer)
- A fall or awkward twist
You may feel a pop, followed by pain, swelling, and a feeling of looseness in the knee.
Does Every MCL Tear Need Surgery?
Most MCL injuries heal without surgery, especially mild to moderate sprains or partial tears. Bracing, rest, and physical therapy often do the trick. But if the ligament is completely torn or pulled off the bone, or if other ligaments (like the ACL) are also damaged, surgical repair or reconstruction may be needed.
What’s the Difference Between Repair and Replacement?
- MCL Repair: If the tissue is still healthy but torn away from the bone or split, your surgeon may be able to stitch it back together or reattach it.
- MCL Reconstruction (Replacement): If the ligament is too damaged to fix, it may be replaced using a graft, a piece of tendon from another part of your body or a donor.
These procedures restore stability and help prevent long-term knee problems like arthritis or repeated injury.
What to Expect from Surgery
MCL repair or reconstruction is usually done through a small incision on the inside of the knee. It typically takes 1–2 hours, and you may go home the same day. If other ligaments are repaired at the same time (like in multi-ligament injuries), recovery may be longer and more involved.
Recovery Timeline
Rehab is a big part of your success after surgery. Here’s a general idea of what recovery might look like:
- Weeks 1–4: Rest, controlled movement, and possibly a brace or crutches.
- Weeks 4–12: Gradual strengthening, range-of-motion exercises, and walking more comfortably.
- 3–6 months: Building stability, coordination, and returning to higher-level activities.
- 6–9 months (or more): Full return to sports or demanding activities, depending on the injury.
Are There Any Risks?
Surgery is generally safe, but risks like infection, stiffness, or graft failure can happen. Choosing an experienced surgeon and sticking to your rehab plan significantly lowers those chances.