Knee · Ligaments
Combined ACL + collateral reconstruction
ACL Tear with MCL or LCL / Posterolateral Corner Tear
The condition
The ACL in the center of the knee controls forward and twisting motion, and the collateral ligaments—the MCL (inner side) and LCL/posterolateral corner (outer side)—keep it from bending sideways. A severe twisting injury can tear the ACL and one of these together, leaving the knee very unstable.
The surgery
The ACL is replaced with a tendon graft through small incisions with a camera, and the collateral ligament is repaired or rebuilt with a graft through an incision on the side of the knee. Graft choices will be discussed with you. Meniscus damage may also be treated. The final plan is determined during surgery.
Recovery at a glance
- Weight-bearing
- Touch-down weight (foot flat, light pressure) with crutches for 4–6 weeks, then increased gradually; normal walking by ~8 weeks.
- Brace & motion
- Hinged brace locked straight for walking and sleep; bending to 90° for 2 weeks, then 120° by 6 weeks. An activity brace is worn until 4 months.
- Daily life
- Desk work often within 2 weeks. No driving while taking narcotic pain medication.
- Running
- Not before 16 weeks; side-to-side and twisting stress is avoided for 4 months.
- Sports
- No sooner than 9 months, after strength and hop testing (typically ~12 months). A sports brace is worn for at least 2 years.
A general guide. Your restrictions and timeline may change based on what is found and done at surgery.
Risks & benefits
Benefits: Most patients regain a stable knee and return to activity and sports. Risks are uncommon and include infection, blood clots, graft stretching or re-tear, loss of motion that may need another procedure, injury to the nerve that lifts the foot (outer-side surgery), injury to nearby structures (such as nerves, blood vessels, or cartilage), stiffness, persistent pain, and the need for further surgery. These will be reviewed with you in detail before surgery.
Patient Surgical Information
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Before & after every surgery