MCL / LCL Reconstruction
MCL / LCL Reconstruction
The MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) and LCL (Lateral Collateral Ligament) are bands of tissue that connect the thigh bone to the shin bone at the level of the knee joint on either side and help stabilise the knee. The MCL is on the inner side of the knee, while the LCL is on the outer side of the knee
The two most common causes of MCL and LCL sprains or tears are:
When force is applied to the outer or inner side of your knee during playing games like football, basketball, etc.,
When the foot is firmly grounded and the person tries to turn to the side, away from the planted leg (MCL injury) or towards the planted leg (LCL injury)
Symptoms :
MCL and LCL tears cause immediate pain and often swelling. You may feel something “pop” on the inner or outer aspect of the knee. Pain is centralised over the ligament (the inner or outer aspect of the knee). Walking after the injury may be possible, but the knee may feel like it’s going to “give out,” depending on the severity of the tear.
Treatment :
Most of the MCL tears can be treated by non-surgical methods like bracing and physical rehab. If symptoms like pain and instability occur, MCL repair is accomplished through a series of small incisions that are stitched back into place and fixed with screws or buttons. If repair is not possible, a formal reconstruction of the MCL may be required using your own tendon graft.
LCL injuries usually do not heal well and may require surgical intervention, which involves either a repair or reconstruction using your own tendon graft based on the type of tear.
However, injury to the collateral knee ligaments generally involves another ligament injury. Multiple injuries will require surgery to restore side-to-side stability.