Medial collateral injuries usually occur during a valgus force to the knee especially during contact sport (e.g. a tackle from the side).  You will be examined to exclude any other associated injuries.  Your treatment will be determined by the grade of your injury.

 

Conservative treatment:

Isolated grade I, II and III injuries that are stable in extension, without any other ligamentous injuries, are treated conservatively.

  • RICE ‒ rest, ice, compression and elevation
  • Crutches
  • Brace
  • Rehabilitation: quadriceps rehabilitation and straight leg raises immediately, cycling or resistance exercises when tolerated; thigh adduction exercises.

 

Surgery is considered for grade III injuries that present as follows:

  • Isolated with unstable despite rehabilitation
  • Valgus laxity in full extension
  • Associated with ACL/PCL injuries
  • Chronic valgus instability.

 

Surgery can either be a MCL repair or reconstruction depending on the time span of the injury.

You will be in a brace for 6 weeks whether you are operated on or not.