July 19th, 2014
Medial Collateral Ligament Injury Philadelphia Specialists
The knee is a very complex joint, and we often take for granted all of the parts and functions that enable us to walk, bend down, stand up, play sports, and work hard at our jobs. For example, there are four ligaments that keep the knee joint stable by limiting its mobility, thereby keeping it from moving too far in any particular direction. Ligaments are made up of tough and fibrous tissue, and they are critical to the health of the many joints throughout the human body. One such ligament located on the inside of the knee joint is known as the medial collateral ligament, or the MCL, which is connected to the femur, or thigh bone, as well as the tibia, or shin bone.
While MCL tears can be severely debilitating, there is no medial collateral ligament injury Philadelphia orthopedic specialists cannot treat. MCL injuries are categorized according to the extent of damage to the ligament, and they are ranked on a scale of 1 to 3.
- A Grade 1 MCL tear shows minimal symptoms and can heal relatively quickly. This injury consists of an incomplete tearing of the ligament.
- A Grade 2 MCL tear is also incomplete one, but typically results in instability of the joint, especially when the patient attempts certain movements (a basketball player pivoting on the court, for example). Healing usually occurs within 4 to 6 weeks.
- A Grade 3 MCL tear is a complete tear of the ligament, which can be extremely painful. Swelling and inability to bend the knee are typical symptoms, and immobilizing the joint is typically required for the healing process, which takes over 6 weeks. It is important to note that some types of Grade 3 injuries do require surgery.
Treatment for a Medial Collateral Ligament Injury in Philadelphia
If you are experiencing pain, swelling, or “giving out” of the knee joint, the knee specialists at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute can determine whether, and to what extent, you have damaged your MCL. For a medial collateral ligament injury Philadelphia doctors can treat, see the sport medicine specialists at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, who are experienced in treating professional and college athletes throughout the entire region.
Contact Rothman Orthopaedic Institute today to discover your road to recovery. For every medial collateral ligament injury Philadelphia patients experience, there is a compassionate doctor ready to get you back to work.