MCL Surgery

The MCL is frequently managed without surgery, due to a good propensity to heal and result in minimal functional problems. It is a complex structure with a deep component controlling knee rotation, a superficial component controlling side-to-side movement, and another component controlling knee position when the knee is straight.

When surgery is indicated, Mr O’Bryan employs a combined strategy of repairing the MCL with sutures, and reconstructing the MCL over the top to protect the repair from stretching out. The reconstruction technique depends on the specific patient and injury pattern, but usually involves the use of a donor graft. In some instances, a small synthetic ligament can be used to support the repair. The normal knee is designed to pivot “around” the MCL, so it is a structure that should be quite tight, but no more. The position of the ligament’s insertion in the femur is of vital importance to success, and can be laborious to identify perfectly during surgery.

As a result, this is an extensive surgery, with difficult rehabilitation.