Surgery and Repair for MCL & PCL Injuries
There are some rare instances where a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury will require surgical intervention.
Minimally invasive surgery may be necessary if the injury cannot repair itself or when other ligaments in the knee have also been torn.
This can be done arthroscopically through small incisions in your knee.
Surgery may also be an option for a PCL if it is coupled with other injuries. This surgery will reconstruct the ligament.
Your specialist will use a graft from another tendon in the body to do the reconstruction. In addition, small sutures, screws, or anchors can be used to reattach and correctly position the tendon.
MCL & PCL Post-Operative Care
Following your post-operative care instructions is essential to your injured knee making a complete recovery.
It is highly recommended that you use crutches, and a brace for about one month after surgery, followed by physical therapy.
Recovery After an MCL & PCL Injury
The recovery time will vary for each person depending on the type of injury, the severity of the injury, as well as how well you follow the instructions for healing.
For mild MCL injuries, you can return to normal activity within a couple of weeks. More severe injuries will require two or more months to recover.
A mild PCL injury can take a few months to heal, whereas a more severe torn PCL can take approximately 6-9 months after knee surgery. However, many athletes take one year to fully recover before returning to their chosen sport.
Our knees have taken care of us for many years; now it is time to take care of them.
If you have been experiencing symptoms of a PCL or MCL injury, call OrthoNeuro today or schedule an appointment online with one of our Board Certified Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists.
We are eager to help you with your recovery and rehabilitation.