There are two collateral ligaments found within the knee joint: the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). These two ligaments work together to stabilize the knee joint as well as protect it against unusual twisting motions. The MCL originates from the medial epicondyle, a bony ridge on the inner thigh bone (femur) and descends along the inner portion of the knee joint to its attachment site on the medial condyle, a bony ridge on the upper inner tibia (shin bone). Of the four major knee ligaments, the MCL is the most commonly injured ligament from a substantial force onto the outer knee. Such a significant force can result in a sideways shift of the knee joint causing the MCL to stretch or tear away from its bony attachment. Athletes are among the most susceptible to experiencing an MCL injury, particularly those involved in aggressive contact sports such as rugby, football, or wrestling. Dr. Frank McCormick, orthopedic knee specialist serving Orlando, Palm Beach County, and surrounding Florida communities, has the knowledge and understanding, as well as substantial experience, in treating patients with an MCL injury.
A suspected medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury may result in a sharp and sudden pain along the inner knee which occurs immediately after a knee injury. Swelling and tenderness of the inner knee joint have also been known to accompany this knee pain. Some other common symptoms of an MCL injury is a decreased range of motion of the affected knee joint. More significant MCL injuries may result in knee joint instability. A “locking” or “catching” sensation with joint movement have also been reported with MCL injuries.
Consulting an orthopedic knee specialist, such as Dr. McCormick, is strongly encouraged as the symptoms of a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury overlap with a number of other knee conditions. Dr. McCormick will begin by obtaining an in-depth medical history pertaining to the knee joint. This will be followed by a thorough physical examination to evaluate the knee joint for areas of pain and tenderness. For a better understanding of the joint damage, imaging studies, such as x-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be requested. These diagnostic tools allow Dr. McCormick to better analyze the knee joint structures for damage.
A medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury resulting in minimal damage may respond well to treatment with conservative therapies alone. Any combination of the following can be utilized to address the patient’s specific needs: a knee brace to prevent further ligament damage, RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), and completion of a physical therapy program.
Surgical intervention may be recommended in the event of failed conservative therapies, or if patients sustained a severe or complex medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury. Dr. McCormick prefers to conduct an MCL reconstruction using a minimally invasive surgical technique. Arthroscopic MCL reconstruction uses a small camera (arthroscope) and specialized surgical instruments to reattach the ligament to the bone or suture the ligament back together. Irreparable MCL injuries often require a tissue graft, either from the patient (autograft) or donor (allograft), to reconstruct the MCL in its entirety. However, patients with damage to multiple knee joint structures may not benefit from arthroscopic reconstruction. For these particular cases, Dr. McCormick will likely recommend MCL reconstruction using an open surgical technique.
For more information on medial patellofemoral ligament injuries, or the excellent treatment options available, please contact the office of Frank McCormick, MD, orthopedic knee specialist serving Orlando, Palm Beach County, and surrounding Florida communities.
