Collateral Ligaments and other non-cruciate tendons & ligaments around the knee :

Dr. "That's a new one for me"........MCL - - Posted by Thrill (Thrill), 21 October 2003

It started the first of the year.  Got out of truck and foot slid under the truck and a loud POP followed.  Went to a OS.  Grade 3 sprain, lots-o-physio and seamed better.  The only problem was it was still really lax.  

FAST FORWARD...

I have been to two different OS's now and am about to have a major surgery.  Has anyone had a MCL surgery and an HTO.  Both the OS's have said this is a severly isolated case .  Oh, joy I think to myself .  The conclusion is that with the slight valgus in my knee has prevented my MCL from healing.  Really just looking for support and the possible recovery from the HTO will be.

Thanks in advance to all of you beautiful knee geeks.

-Will
Posted by ATsoccergirl (ATsoccergirl), 21 October 2003

Will-

I came extremely close to needing a MCL reconstruction.  I had a grade 3 MCL tear last september and it wasn't tightening down at all.  My OS put me in a medial unloader brace, which would mimic the effects of the HTO.  I then started really intensive rehab.  It mostly alot of biking which had shown to really help the MCL tighten down.  I was biking for 45 minutes twice a day for about 4 weeks.  Within those 4 weeks my MCL really tightened down.  I had around 13mm of laxity and by the time I saw my OS again I had 2-3 mm of joint opening.  THe unloader really helps, and my OS even added an unloader strap to my ACL brace.  

I think before jumping into any huge surgery try an unloader brace for a while.  MCL reconstructions don't always have the best results and should be approached with extreme caution.  I would also suggest consulting with a surgeon who specilizes in sports medicine.  They generally deal with tough MCL sprains on a more regular basis.

Best of luck to you!
Posted by Thrill (Thrill), 21 October 2003

Thanks for the heads up ATsoccergirl.

but, the OS I am going to is the best in the state he takes care of the Idianapolis colts and Indianapolis ice.  The major reason for the surgery is due to the valgus stress that my leg has.  Otherwise I think an unloader might work better.  Thanks for your advice.

This old Forum was so valuable that we have kept it as an archive. It is just for reference. If you want to ask questions or offer advice, there is also a current Bulletin Board which you can access from our home page.

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