treatment

Last reviewed 01/2018

Non surgical interventionsis

  • considered in  Grade I and II MCL  injuries as well as isolated grade III injuries
  • initially treated with rest, ice, compression and elevation to reduce initial pain and swelling
  • patients are advised the bear weight as tolerated wearing a hinged brace to protect the knee from valgus movements. Early active range of motion is initiated to prevent stiffness (1)

Surgical interventions

  • remains a controversial topic in MCL management
  • generally considered in patients with grade III injury who fail to recover with non operative treatment resulting in chronic valgus instability (2)
  • surgical options include:
    • primary repair of the ligament
      • usually carried out within seven to ten days after the injury (3)
    • autograft/allograft reconstruction
      • options for reconstruction of the ligament includes - hamstrings and Achilles

Reference: