Medial Collateral Ligament Surgery Treatment in India

John Patel, a 42-year-old high school...

John Patel, a 42-year-old high school physical education teacher and weekend soccer coach, was injured during a friendly match. While pivoting to defend, he felt a sharp 'pop' and immediate pain on the inner side of his right knee. Initial swelling was significant, and while rest and ice helped, the knee remained unstable, buckling painfully whenever he tried to walk on uneven ground or demonstrate exercises to his students. An MRI confirmed a complete tear of his Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL). His orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Evans, recommended surgery because the tear was severe and non-surgical methods had failed to restore stability, crucial for John's active profession and lifestyle. John underwent MCL reconstruction using a graft from his hamstring tendon. The surgery went smoothly, but the immediate post-op period was challenging, with pain, strict bracing, and reliance on crutches. His recovery involved months of dedicated physical therapy, initially focusing on range of motion and later on strength and proprioception. A year later, John has regained about 90% of his strength and stability. He is back to teaching full-time and can jog and cycle, though he has chosen to retire from competitive soccer. Emotionally, he felt frustrated and anxious about his career and identity as an active person. Post-recovery, he feels grateful for his progress and has channeled his energy into coaching with a new appreciation for injury prevention, though he sometimes mourns the loss of his own playing days.