Since Grade III MCL injuries are complete tears, the ligament is unable to heal itself and surgery is needed. Surgery may also be needed if there is any grade of an MCL tear along with other ligament issues.
Can a torn MCL heal without surgery?
While most MCL injuries can resolve without surgery, there are instances where surgery is the best treatment option. The surgery will either repair or reconstruct the MCL.
Is MCL surgery painful?
Your knee will be bandaged and may have ice on it. There will likely be pain, and you can expect to be given pain medication as needed.
Can you bend your knee with a torn MCL?
When your MCL is damaged, your knee can over-extend itself, or bend too far in a direction that it’s not supposed to bend. You may heal on your own with basic care, rest, and rehab. But if your injury is severe, you may need to have surgery.
What kind of injury is the medial collateral ligament?
Along with the other ligaments in your knee, your MCL provides your knee with stability. Your MCL and your lateral collateral ligament control the sideways movement of your knee. An MCL injury can be a partial or a complete tear, or an overstretch of the ligament. Knee ligament injuries are also referred to as sprains.
Can a MCL injury be repaired without surgery?
Most people recover from an MCL injury without surgery. However, in some situations, surgery may be the best option to repair the injury to your medial collateral ligament. This is most likely to be the case if: Ask your doctor about the pros and cons of surgery, and how it might help in your own circumstances.
Which is the most commonly injured knee ligament?
The MCL is the most commonly injured knee ligament. It often gets injured during sports such as rugby. It’s common to injure one of your cruciate ligaments, or your meniscus, at the same time as your MCL. What are the signs?
When to wear a leg brace after a MCL injury?
If you’re having difficulty bearing weight on your knee, you may need to use crutches or wear a brace to support you for a while. It’s common to wear a leg brace for several weeks after an MCL injury, particularly if your injury is severe. Your doctor or physio will explain how long you’ll need to use this for.
What do you need to know about the medial collateral ligament?
Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury facts. The medial collateral ligament is one of four ligaments that help stabilize the knee. Medical professionals refer to knee injuries that involve the MCL injuries as sprains or tears.
Are there any home remedies for medial collateral ligament injury?
Surgery is a primary treatment in patients who have also damaged their medial meniscus and/or their anterior cruciate ligament. Are there any home remedies for MCL injuries? The initial treatment for an MCL sprain is the same as other sprains, including rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
Where is the lateral collateral ligament ( LCL ) located?
The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is located on the lateral aspect of the knee (lateral = away from the center of the body) or outside of the knee. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) prevent anterior (frontward) and posterior (backward) movement of the knee joint.
What kind of surgery is needed for a MCL sprain?
Surgery for MCL injuries is uncommon and typically is only recommended for: An MCL graft can be constructed with a piece of tissue from elsewhere on the patient, such as the hamstring tendons, or from a donor. MCL surgery is generally performed through small open incisions on the inner (medial) knee.
