Patient Recovery from an Injured Medial Collateral Ligament in King of Prussia

When your knee is healthy and functioning, it can be easy to take its complex operations for granted.

One moment you are participating in recreation league sports, taking long hikes, and being called on to help move-out a friend of their apartment, and the next moment a knee injury has taken your mobility away. It can be startling and devastating. For individuals seeking medical help for their medial collateral ligament in King of Prussia, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute may be a valuable resource.

Definition: The medial collateral ligament is the ligament located on the “inside” of the knee region that attaches the femur to the tibia. Its ideal role is to brace or lock the knee for protection, as well as to the control sideways movements of the knee and legs like shuffling.

Anatomy: Together four bones make up the knee region: the (thighbone) femur, (shinbone) tibia, (lower leg bone) fibula, and (kneecap) patella. There are two types of cartilage in the knee that cushion movement—articular cartilage and the meniscus. Ligaments connect bones to other bones like a fused rope. Collateral ligaments exists on the insides and outsides of your knee, and cruciate ligaments are located inside crossing in an “x” shape. Tendons act as a connection between bones and muscles in the leg. During an initial evaluation, a doctor will ensure that each part of the knee is examined in case more than one structural element is injured at a time.

The good news is that the majority of MCL injuries heal successfully without surgery and patients typically make a full recovery. However, there are some MCL injuries that do require surgical intervention; therefore it is imperative that anyone with a MCL injury see their local Rothman doctor promptly.

The Good News About Recovery

The good news is that recovery is achievable and very common for most. Rothman Orthopaedic Institute physicians recommend seeking a diagnosis and treatment plan immediately for your medial collateral ligament injury.

• In order to restore strength, range of motion, and flexibility, a variety of treatments will be necessary.

• It can be helpful for patients to take a long-term perspective on lifestyle change.

• Icing, bracing your knee, and physical therapy all may be necessary.

• Pursue treatment under the close supervision of your doctor with the understanding that surgery may be an option if no improvement has been observed for over six months of consistent nonsurgical treatment.

Ultimately, patients seeking treatment for their injuries to their medial collateral ligament in King of Prussia can rely on the research, expertise, and resources offered by Rothman Orthopaedic Institute. Recovery is possible with the right support system, so why not look into what we can do for you. For more information, please visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.