If you have MCL surgery, there will be a period of recovery before you regain maximum use of your knee. Most patients can return to day-to-day activities relatively quickly, but there may be an adjustment period before you can return to more intensive activities. Below, we will look at some basics about the treatment of MCL tears, as well as what you can expect during the recovery period.
About MCL Tears
MCL tears are tears to the knee’s medial collateral ligament, which is one of four ligaments responsible for holding the knee in place and providing stability. The MCL usually tears after sudden twisting or trauma to the knee, as can happen after a fall or other accident.
Sometimes, MCL tears can be treated without surgery, especially if the tear is mild or the patient is older and less physically active. Moderate to severe tears in younger, more active individuals often require surgical treatment. With surgery, many people, including athletes, are able to return to their former level of knee function. However, how much you will be able to recover depends on the specifics of your injury. Your doctor will provide a prognosis based on your unique situation.
How MCL Surgery Works
Most of the time, MCL surgery can be performed arthroscopically. This means that the doctor makes small incisions near the knee, and uses a tiny camera to view the inside of the knee, and small tools to operate on the injury. Arthroscopic surgery is preferable because it minimizes the recovery time and risk of side effects, as well as the costs associated with surgery.
MCL Recovery Timeline
Most patients can expect the following in terms of an MCL recovery timeline:
- You’ll go home the same day of the surgery
- For the first few days, you will not feel up to much. You will take pain medication, ice and elevate your knee, and walk around for a few minutes a day
- Within a week, you will be up to more – most patients can return to a desk job within a week
- Around this time, you will start to have physical therapy sessions to help you regain use of the knee
- Within 6 weeks, you can begin to do more intensive activities
- It may take 6 months or longer until you regain full use of the knee and are able to do high-impact activities
Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to meet with you about whether or not MCL surgery is right for you. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.