About MCL Repair
Key Highlights
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Restores crucial knee stability for walking, running, and pivoting.Alleviates chronic pain and instability caused by a torn ligament.Helps prevent secondary joint damage and the early onset of osteoarthritis.Often performed using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques for smaller incisions.High success rate in returning athletes and active individuals to their pre-injury level of function.Structured post-op rehabilitation is integral to optimal recovery and strength restoration./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Complete (Grade III) tear of the MCL, especially when retracted.
- MCL tear combined with injuries to other knee structures (ACL, meniscus) - known as the "unhappy triad."
- Chronic knee instability and pain that persists after 3-6 months of conservative treatment (rest, bracing, physiotherapy).
- Ligament tear where the end is caught inside the joint, preventing healing (Stener-like lesion of the knee).
- Injuries in high-demand athletes who require rapid return to pivoting sports.
- Significant valgus (inward) instability of the knee during physical examination.
How to prepare
- Complete a thorough pre-operative medical evaluation, including blood tests and possibly an ECG.
- Discontinue certain medications (e.g., blood thinners like aspirin or warfarin) as advised by your surgeon and physician.
- Maintain or improve knee range of motion and quadriceps strength with pre-habilitation exercises prescribed by a physiotherapist.
- Arrange for post-surgery assistance at home for tasks like cooking, driving, and mobility.
- Follow fasting instructions (typically no food or drink after midnight) before the day of surgery.
- Discuss anesthesia options (regional or general) and any allergies with your anesthesiologist.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the surgical site or within the joint.
- Bleeding, hematoma (blood clot), or excessive swelling.
- Damage to surrounding nerves (numbness) or blood vessels.
- Blood clots in the leg (Deep Vein Thrombosis) or lung (Pulmonary Embolism).
- Stiffness, limited range of motion, or arthrofibrosis (scar tissue formation).
- Persistent pain, instability, or re-injury of the ligament.
- Anesthesia-related risks, including allergic reactions or respiratory issues.
- Failure of the repair or graft, requiring revision surgery.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Immediate post-op: Knee will be placed in a hinged brace, and weight-bearing will be limited using crutches as directed.
- First 2-6 weeks: Focus on controlling swelling (ice, elevation), restoring gentle range of motion, and activating quadriceps muscles.
- 6 weeks to 3 months: Gradual weaning from brace, progressive strengthening exercises, and increased weight-bearing.
- 3 to 6 months: Introduction of more dynamic exercises, balance training, and light jogging as approved by your physiotherapist.
- 6 to 9 months: Gradual return to sport-specific drills, agility training, and full activities after surgeon clearance.
- Adherence to a structured physiotherapy program is critical for regaining strength, stability, and function.
- Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor healing and progress.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-2 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-9 months for full return to sports
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering mcl repair in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for mcl repair in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform mcl repair. MediFyr helps you compare orthopedists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for mcl repair compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for MCL Repair in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated orthopedics teams and experience managing patients undergoing mcl repair.
Priya Joshi, a 28-year-old elementary school...
Priya Joshi, a 28-year-old elementary school teacher and avid weekend hiker, felt a sharp pop in her right knee while navigating a rocky trail. The immediate pain and feeling of her knee 'giving way' forced her to hobble back to the trailhead. Over the next week, her knee remained swollen, unstable, and painful to walk on, making it impossible to stand for her classes. An orthopedic surgeon diagnosed a complete tear of her Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL). He recommended surgical MCL repair, explaining that due to the severity of the tear and her active lifestyle, non-surgical treatment would likely lead to chronic instability. Priya underwent an outpatient arthroscopic procedure to reattach the ligament. The first two weeks of recovery on crutches were frustrating, but she diligently followed her physical therapy regimen. After six months of dedicated rehab, she regained full stability and strength. She returned to hiking and could stand all day teaching without pain. Emotionally, she went from feeling devastated and fearing a permanent limitation to feeling empowered and resilient, with a newfound appreciation for her body's ability to heal.
Orthopedists for MCL Repair
Explore experienced orthopedists who regularly perform mcl repair and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 48 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 14 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 9 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 20 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 28 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore