MCL Tears

MCL tears most commonly occur due to a direct impact to the outer part of the knee when it’s slightly bent. This can happen in contact sports like football or soccer when a player receives a blow to the outside of the knee, or during skiing accidents when the ski tips are pointed inward and the knee is twisted.

When an MCL tear occurs acutely, there may be a pop or a sudden give way of the knee. You may experience immediate pain and swelling on the inside of the knee. The knee might also feel unstable and it may be difficult to put weight on it.

Long-term symptoms of an MCL tear may include:

• Pain and tenderness along the inside of the knee
• Swelling around the knee
• Feeling of instability or “giving way” with weight bearing or walking
• Stiffness in the knee

Unlike some other knee ligament injuries, MCL tears often can heal on their own, given enough time and appropriate conservative management. The body has a remarkable ability to heal these types of injuries, particularly because the MCL has a good blood supply.

An MCL tear is diagnosed through a physical examination and imaging tests. During the physical exam, your knee surgeon Dr. Mayo may perform a valgus stress test to check for medial instability. An MRI is typically used to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the severity of the tear.

Non-surgical treatment is often successful for MCL tears. This might include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), as well as physical therapy and bracing. Surgery might be considered in cases where the tear is severe, if the injury is combined with other ligament injuries, or if non-surgical treatment has failed.

Surgery is typically considered for athletes or highly active individuals with severe MCL tears, especially when other knee ligaments are also injured. In such cases, surgery should ideally be performed within a few weeks of the injury.

If surgery is necessary, Dr. Mayo will typically either repair the torn ligament or reconstruct it using a tissue graft. This can often be done using minimally invasive techniques, resulting in less pain and faster recovery.

MCL tears are classified into three grades, depending on the severity:

• Grade I: The ligament is slightly stretched, but the knee is still stable.
• Grade II: The ligament is partially torn, and the knee may become unstable with certain movements.
• Grade III: The ligament is completely torn, and the knee is unstable.

Recovery following MCL tear surgery usually involves a period of rest, followed by physical therapy. The physical therapy process focuses on restoring strength and mobility to the knee. Typically, patients can return to light activities within a couple of months, while a full recovery might take six months to a year.