MCL Reconstruction and Repair
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is one of the primary stabilizing ligaments of the knee. It helps prevent the knee from bending inward and plays an important role in maintaining stability during walking, running, and pivoting movements. When the MCL is injured, patients may experience pain, swelling, and instability even with normal daily activities.
While many MCL injuries can be treated without surgery, severe tears, chronic instability, and certain combined ligament injuries may require surgical intervention. Dr. Seiter specializes in MCL reconstruction and repair using modern surgical techniques that restore knee stability and support long-term joint health. Whether you’re an athlete aiming to return to competition or you’re simply looking to walk with ease, treatment can help you get back to physical activity with confidence.
Candidates for MCL Surgery
You may be a candidate for MCL reconstruction or repair if you:
- Have a complete or high-grade MCL tear
- Experience instability or a feeling that the knee may “give way”
- Have persistent symptoms despite physical therapy and other conservative treatments
- Have chronic MCL insufficiency from a previous injury
- Have multiple ligament injuries involving the ACL, PCL, or other stabilizing structures of the knee
- Have had to limit participation in sports, exercise, or daily activities due to pain or instability
Dr. Seiter will perform a thorough physical exam and review imaging to determine whether MCL surgery is appropriate for your condition.
About the Procedure
MCL surgery is performed to restore stability to the inner side of the knee and prevent abnormal joint movement. Depending on the severity, location, and timing of the injury, Dr. Seiter may recommend either MCL repair or MCL reconstruction. In both cases, Dr. Seiter uses minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques.
- MCL Repair: When the ligament has been torn from its attachment site, but the tissue remains healthy, the MCL may be repaired by reattaching it to the bone using specialized anchors. This approach is usually reserved for acute injuries where the tissue quality is favorable.
- MCL Reconstruction: For chronic injuries, severe tears, or cases where the ligament tissue cannot be adequately repaired, MCL reconstruction may be recommended. This procedure involves replacing the damaged ligament with a graft, which may be obtained from the patient’s own tissue or donor tissue. The graft is positioned to recreate the normal function of the MCL and restore knee stability.
- Multiligamentous Knee Reconstruction: MCL injuries frequently occur alongside ACL, PCL, or other ligament injuries. In these situations, multiple ligament reconstructions may be performed during the same surgery to restore overall knee function and stability.
Dr. Seiter will carefully evaluate your anatomy, injury pattern, and activity goals to determine the most appropriate surgical approach.
Recovery
Recovery after MCL repair or reconstruction varies depending on the severity of the injury and whether additional procedures are performed.
Most patients can expect:
- A knee brace during the early stages of healing
- Crutches for a period of time to protect the repair or reconstruction
- Physical therapy beginning soon after surgery to restore motion and strength
- Gradual return to daily activities over several weeks
- Progressive strengthening and sport-specific rehabilitation over several months
- Return to sports or high-level activities typically within 6 to 9 months, depending on recovery progress
Dr. Seiter and his rehabilitation team will develop a personalized recovery plan designed to restore strength and mobility in the knee so that you can safely and confidently return to physical activity—whether on the field, in the gym, or everyday life.