Studies show that the medical collateral ligament (MCL) heals faster and better than other ligaments. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) doesn’t heal well on its own. In fact animal studies have shown the MCL can be cut in half and still heal without surgery or immobilization. There’s even enough strength in the healed ligament to restore joint stability.

The joint can be restored to normal without surgery only when the MCL is the only ligament damaged. If the knee has a torn meniscus or torn ACL along with an injured MCL, then surgery is needed.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com. The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of a visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

It is questionable whether you merely tore your medial collateral ligament (MCL) when you were first hurt. Had you only injured the MCL, chances are it would have scarred down and not given you much trouble.

From what you describe, it is more likely that you also stretched or tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). In either case, you might not be a candidate for ligament surgery given your age. Instead, a surgeon specialist will probably want to have you use a brace and do exercise treatments. If these aren’t helpful, surgery might be a last resort.

Age is one factor your surgeon will consider. So is activity. Your surgeon may treat you as he or she would a younger patient, given your level of activity.

The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. For more information on this subject, visit www.zehrcenter.com.