Dallas MCL Injuries Surgeon

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is located on the inner side of the knee joint. This ligament connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). The MCL helps to stabilize the knee and allows for side-to-side movement. When overextended, medial knee structures can become torn.

It is important to note that this ligament plays a critical role in providing stability to the knee— primarily helping resist forces that push tThe medial collateral ligament (MCL) is located on the inner side of the knee joint. This ligament connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). The MCL helps to stabilize the knee and allows for side-to-side movement. When overextended, medial knee structures can become torn, resulting in an injured ligament. Similar to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, an MCL tear is a common knee ligament injury that often requires surgical repair or reconstruction, particularly when the torn ligament affects overall knee stability.

It is important to note that this ligament plays a critical role in providing stability to the knee— primarily helping resist forces that push the knee sideways from the outside (valgus stress). It connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone); thereby ensuring proper alignment as well as preventing excessive side-to-side movement. Other stabilizing ligaments in the knee include the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL), which work together to support overall joint function.

Injuries in MCL commonly occur when a force impacts the outside of the knee, causing it to bend inwards; in severe cases, this can lead to a partial or complete tear of the ligament. While anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are also common, an MCL tear is a distinct injury that may require different treatment approaches. In cases where reconstruction is necessary, a tendon graft may be used to restore stability to the knee joint.
As a Dallas MCL Injuries Surgeon, Dr. Steven J. Thornton evaluates each injured ligament carefully to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on the severity of the tear and the patient’s activity level.

Treatment Options & Procedures

For many medial collateral ligament tears, particularly Grade 1 (sprain) and Grade 2 (partial tear) injuries, conservative treatment can be effective. This means a tailored approach by your provider that begins with a thorough physical examination and focuses on allowing the ligament to heal naturally while managing symptoms and restoring function. This may include non surgical treatment options: rest, ice, compression, elevation and over-the-counter pain relievers.

More importantly, physical therapy is a cornerstone of conservative treatment for MCL injuries. By targeting the muscles that support the knee joint, the goal of physical therapy is to help improve stability and function as the ligament heals. Strengthening surrounding structures may also help support the area where the ligament attaches and may help prevent injury during return to activity. Your Dallas MCL injuries doctor will also evaluate for other ligament injuries that can sometimes occur alongside MCL damage.

MCL surgery stabilizes the knee and may involve a graft to restore inner-knee support. When conservative care is not sufficient, surgical treatment may be considered based on the severity of the tear and overall knee stability. As a proven knee surgery using the latest in orthopedic techniques, this procedure has a high rate of success, but you can take steps to improve your odds of speedy recovery from medial collateral ligament injuries.

FAQS

The MCL is a strong band of tissue located on the inside of your knee. It connects your thigh bone to your shin bone— helping prevent your knee from wobbling or collapsing inward and working together with other stabilizing structures to support normal knee function and improve knee motion.

While both can cause pain and swelling, MCL injuries usually cause pain on the inside of the knee. In addition, there is a feeling of side-to-side instability. ACL injuries on the other hand often cause a “popping” sensation at the time of injury and pain deep inside the knee— resulting in a feeling of giving way or instability when twisting.

MCL injuries often happen when there’s a force applied to the outside of your knee; pushing it inwards. This can occur during a range of activities such as: sports, falls, or car accidents. In more significant injuries involving multiple ligaments, treatment planning may include consideration of surgical reconstruction to restore stability.

Surgery is usually needed for severe MCL tears where the ligament is completely torn or when conservative treatment hasn’t been effective. In these cases, an MCL reconstruction may be recommended as the appropriate surgical procedure to help restore stability to the knee.

What to Eat or Drink Following Your Procedure

The following is general guidance regarding diet following MCL injury surgery. Your specific recovery plan may be MCL injury-based, depending on the severity of the tear and the procedure performed. Your Dallas MCL injuries surgeon may provide specific instructions:

It’s best to stick to light foods for the first 24 hours following surgery. To minimize nausea, avoid heavy or greasy foods. Soups, oatmeal, and crackers are all good options.
Pain medications may cause nausea. If nausea persists for more than one or two days after surgery, contact our office to discuss alternative solutions.
We encourage you to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water throughout your recovery.

Caring for Incisions

MCL surgery involves incisions, which will be bandaged before your discharge. Below are general instructions for incision care:

Do not remove these bandages yourself. Our team will take care of removal at a follow-up appointment.
If your bandages become soaked, do not take them off. Instead, wrap them in sterile gauze.
If you experience itching around your incisions, do not pick or scratch at the area. This can irritate the incisions and cause bleeding and injury. Always wash your hands prior to touching any area near your incisions to avoid infection.
While some puffiness and spotting of blood is normal following surgery, incisions should not ooze blood or other fluids. If you experience severe swelling or excessive discharge, contact our office immediately. There should be a noticeable decrease in the amount of puffiness and spotting each day.
Keep your incisions dry and covered to prevent infection. You will be able to take a shower after 24 hours, but the incision area must remain covered to avoid getting wet.
Use a waterproof covering to keep your knee dry while showering. Do not allow the incision area to become submerged, so no pools, hot tubs or baths.
Your doctor can provide specifics about various products, but in general, do not apply any lotions or creams near the incision site.
Most patients will be able to have their stitches removed within 1-2 weeks after the medial collateral ligament reconstruction or ligament repair. After this time, you should be able to lightly rinse and dab dry your incision area.

Pain and Medication Guidelines

*The following are general aftercare guidelines for the use of medications. Your doctor will provide specific instructions as they pertain to your health, prescriptions and procedure.

Numbing medication has been used during your procedure. This medication will begin to wear off within 6-10 hours, after which time you may begin to experience pain.
If you have been prescribed pain medication, take it according to the instructions on the label and your doctor’s recommendations. If your prescribed pain medication is not effective, contact our team to discuss alternatives.
Pain medications may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Use caution when moving around. Constipation is a common side effect; consider using a stool softener if needed, after consulting your doctor.
If you experience extreme nausea or vomiting, contact our office right away.
Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking prescription pain medications. If you are at risk for developing a clot, let your doctor know about your health history to discuss solutions, including low-dose aspirin.

Your Mobility Following MCL Surgery

As with other knee injuries, surgery will affect your mobility. Below are some general guidelines for safe movement during recovery:

Mobility should be limited during the first week following your procedure. Keep your brace on at all times until given the go-ahead to remove it by your doctor.
You will likely experience some degree of swelling during the early stages of recovery. Elevate your leg by placing pillows under your ankle, not your knee, to reduce swelling.
Crutches will assist with mobility during the early recovery phase. Adjusting to them may take time, so move slowly and carefully.
When it comes to bearing weight on your knee, take things slowly according to your doctor’s recommendations. Do not attempt to walk until given the green light by your doctor.
Do not drive until being cleared to do so by your doctor. You should also avoid sitting for long periods of time, including during long car rides.
If you are returning to work during your early recovery, discuss the possibility of accommodations with your workplace. Ideally, you will be able to work with your leg propped up.

Proper Usage of Your Knee Brace

Your care team will place a brace on your knee following surgery. Below are some instructions for proper usage:

Wear your brace at all times until your Dallas MCL injuries specialist instructs otherwise. The brace stabilizes and protects your knee during recovery.
If you need to make adjustments, our care team will be happy to assist.

Use a Cold Pack for Swelling

You can reduce swelling by applying a cold pack to the affected area.

To prevent moisture exposure to the incision site, always wrap ice or a cold pack in a clean cloth or waterproof barrier before application.
Apply ice or a cold pack for 15-30 minutes every few hours, ensuring a protective barrier between the ice and your skin to prevent frostbite.

Movement and Stretching Guidelines

Your doctor can offer specific exercises, but doing small things like wiggling your toes can help keep your blood circulating during recovery. Due to the function of the MCL, avoid twisting your ankle. Limit movement as much as possible during the first 48 hours after surgery.

If you require physical therapy following MCL tear surgery, our office can help to coordinate that with you or your caregiver. This may include a guided plan of physical therapy exercises once your doctor determines it is safe to begin.

CALL US IF…

Reach out right away if you notice:

214 265 3271

Severe, persistent pain that does not improve with medication or radiates through your upper arm.
Fever, chills, infection, redness, off-color discharge.
Severe swelling, tingling, numbness or skin discoloration, particularly in the hand, fingers or forearm.
Respiratory distress or chest discomfort.
Bleeding or persistent fluid leakage at the incision site.

Dallas MCL Injuries Surgeon Steven J. Thornton for Knee Pain and Instability

Contact Dr. Thornton’s office to learn about effective treatment strategies and start your journey towards a healthier, more active shoulder. Dr. Thornton also handles other knee procedures, including PCL and LCL surgery, treatment for tears in the meniscus and meniscus root, and care for patellar and quadriceps tendon, and uses proper techniques when evaluating knee pain and instability.

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