The MCL or medial collateral ligament is one of the four major ligaments of the knee. It helps connect the thigh bone to the shin bone, stabilizing the knee. It can be injured due to a direct trauma to the knee. When the MCL is torn, pain, swelling and joint instability occurs. In cases where the tear is severe (grade III tear), or the tear does not heal with non surgical methods, Dr. Austin Chen may suggest MCL reconstruction surgery. Orthopedic knee specialist in the Boulder Colorado area specializes in treating MCL reconstructions.
What is a MCL reconstruction?
Dr. Chen performs MCL reconstructions using a minimally invasive technique that involves using a tendon graft to reconstruct the injured MCL. The graft is secured with specialized screws and/or anchors placed into the bone.
What is the recovery from a MCL reconstruction surgery?
After surgery Dr. Chen will send the patient home with a detailed physical therapy regime. Physical therapy can be completed through the Boulder Centre for Orthopedics Physical Therapy Center, which offers all patients complete and seamless recovery care Typically the regime includes crutches with protected weight bearing in a brace for 6 weeks, followed by a return to normal physical activities by 4 months, and more strenuous activities by 6 months.
