Medial collateral ligament injuries
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.