Knee · Ligaments
MCL / LCL / posterolateral corner reconstruction
Isolated MCL or LCL / Posterolateral Corner Tear — Repair or Reconstruction
The condition
The collateral ligaments run along the inner side of the knee (MCL) and the outer side (LCL and posterolateral corner), keeping it from bending sideways and twisting. Severe or long-standing tears that do not heal can leave the knee unstable with walking, turning, and sports.
The surgery
Through an incision on the inner (MCL) or outer (LCL) side of the knee (typically outpatient), the torn ligament is repaired to bone or rebuilt with a cadaver tendon graft in small bone tunnels. The joint may be checked with a camera, and meniscus or cartilage damage treated. The final plan is determined during surgery.
Recovery at a glance
- Weight-bearing
- Touch-down weight (foot flat, ~20 lb) with crutches for 6 weeks (inner-side surgery may add half weight from 4 weeks), then full weight over 1–2 weeks; normal walking by ~8 weeks.
- Brace & motion
- Hinged brace locked straight for walking and sleep for 6 weeks. Bending to 90° by 2 weeks and 120° by 6 weeks. An activity brace is worn until 4 months.
- Daily life
- Desk work often within 2 weeks. Side-to-side and twisting stress on the knee is avoided until 16 weeks. No driving while taking narcotic pain medication.
- Running
- Typically from 16 weeks, once strength and motion allow.
- Sports
- Straight-line agility at ~20 weeks and cutting at ~24 weeks; full return typically at 6 months, after strength and hop testing.
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 their activities. Risks are uncommon and include infection, blood clots, remaining looseness or graft stretching, 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