Primary reconstruction of the medial collateral ligament in combined injury of the medial collateral and anterior cruciate ligaments

Abstract

We describe our experiences with 22 patients who underwent acute surgical intervention for complete combined injury of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) in our hospital. In all patients, an arthroscopically guided repair of the MCL was performed, while the torn ACL was treated non-surgically. Primary reconstruction of the MCL in patients with complete disruptions of the MCL complex as well as the ACL reduces combined anteromedial instability to an isolated problem of the ACL. As a result of this treatment, the condition of 15 of 22 knees was improved, after an average duration of follow-up of 2 and a half years. In conclusion, our treatment strategy of an immediate repair of the MCL and reconstruction of the ACL when conservative treatment has failed seems safe and effective.