MCL Reconstruction

Evidence-first evaluation of stem cell-based and other biologic treatments for tendon, ligament, cartilage and joint conditions, with honest guidance on what the research supports.

Regenerative Medicine

Repair or reconstruction of the medial collateral ligament on the inner side of the knee for severe tears, persistent instability and combined ligament injuries.

MCL Reconstruction

Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament with a tendon graft to stop recurrent kneecap dislocations and restore patellar stability.

MPFL Reconstruction

Surgical reattachment of a torn quadriceps or patellar tendon to the kneecap so the knee can straighten and bear weight again.

Quad and Patellar Tendon Repair

Realignment surgery through the tibia or femur, or repositioning of the tibial tubercle, to unload damaged cartilage, correct kneecap tracking and preserve the natural knee.

Knee Osteotomy

Repair or reconstruction of two or more torn knee ligaments, including the ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL and posterolateral corner, after high-energy injuries and knee dislocations.

Multi-Ligament Knee Reconstruction

Arthroscopic repair of a superior labral tear where the biceps tendon anchors to the shoulder socket, for deep shoulder pain, clicking and overhead symptoms.

SLAP Repair

Releasing the damaged long head of the biceps tendon from inside the shoulder and anchoring it to the upper arm bone to relieve front-of-shoulder pain while preserving biceps strength.

Biceps Tenodesis

Stabilization or ligament reconstruction of the acromioclavicular joint after a severe shoulder separation, when the collarbone will not stay in place on its own.

AC Joint Surgery

Treatment of collarbone fractures, from sling care to plate-and-screw fixation (ORIF) for displaced, shortened or slow-healing breaks.

Clavicle Fracture Repair

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Two clinics, one number to call or text. Same-day appointments for acute injuries whenever we can. The front desk will match you with the right surgeon.

Call801-640-0000

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Provo1055 N 300 W, Ste 104

Orem700 W 800 N, Ste 330

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What it is

MCL Reconstruction

The medial collateral ligament stabilizes the inner side of the knee against forces from the outside, the classic ski or football injury.

Most MCL tears heal with a hinged brace and physical therapy.When they do not, your surgeon repairs the ligament directly or reconstructs it with a tendon graft through an incision along the inner knee, often alongside other ligament work.

Performed by

Kevin Christensen, MD, Knee, Shoulder and Sports Medicine surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. ChristensenKnee, Shoulder and Sports Medicine

J. Ryan Taylor, MD, Shoulder and Sports Medicine surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. TaylorShoulder and Sports Medicine

Michael Carlson, MD, Shoulder and Sports Medicine surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. CarlsonShoulder and Sports Medicine

Jeffrey Wallentine, MD, Joint Replacement surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. WallentineJoint Replacement

Multi-Ligament Knee Reconstruction

or call801-640-0000

MCL Reconstruction

Who It Helps

Surgery is recommended for severe tears, persistent instability after bracing, certain avulsions where the ligament pulls off bone, and injuries involving more than one knee ligament.The choice between repair and reconstruction depends on the location, severity and timing of the injury and the quality of the remaining ligament tissue.

MCL Reconstruction

What to Expect

Outpatient surgery under general anesthesia, usually one to two hours.Through an incision along the inner knee, your surgeon repairs the damaged ligament when possible or reconstructs it with a tendon graft.Additional ligament injuries are addressed in the same procedure. Most patients go home the same day in a hinged knee brace with crutches to protect the healing ligament.Ski collisions and football season bring most MCL injuries to our Provo and Orem clinics; the hinged brace comes from our office the same day. Dr. Christensen, Dr. Taylor, Dr. Carlson and Dr. Wallentine operate at Utah Valley Hospital and Spanish Fork Hospital.

MCL Reconstruction

Recovery Timeline

Six weeks in a hinged brace with swelling control and gradual motion, with crutches and weight-bearing limits as needed.Weeks six to twelve restore normal walking, range of motion and strength through physical therapy.Straight-line jogging begins around months three to four once milestones are met. Cutting, pivoting and competitive sports return at six to nine months when strength, stability and functional testing support it.

Milestones

Week 0 to 6Hinged brace, crutches

Week 6 to 12Normal walking, therapy

Month 3 to 4Straight-line jogging

Month 6 to 9Cutting and pivoting

MCL Reconstruction

Risks and Considerations

Stiffness, persistent discomfort, infection, blood clots, nerve irritation and residual instability are the main risks.Ligament healing and graft incorporation take time.Adherence to bracing and activity restrictions protects the reconstruction. Your surgeon will match the plan to your injury pattern, activity goals and long-term knee health.

MCL Reconstruction

Your Surgeons

Dr. Christensen, Dr. Taylor, Dr. Carlson and Dr. Wallentine perform this procedure at Surgery Partners Provo, Spanish Fork Hospital, Central Utah Surgical Center, Timpanogos Regional Hospital, Mountain View Hospital and Intermountain Health Surgery Center Saratoga Springs.

Dr. Christensen, MD

Andrews Institute sports medicine fellowship under Dr. James Andrews. Board certified in orthopedic surgery and orthopedic sports medicine. Fluent in Spanish.

Dr. Taylor, MD

Dual fellowship trained in sports medicine and in shoulder and elbow surgery. Former Division I football player.

Dr. Carlson, MD

Arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, elbow, knee, hip and ankle. Published sports medicine researcher. Fourteen years in practice.

Dr. Wallentine, MD

Thirty-four years in practice. Mako robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement. Stanford sports medicine fellowship. BYU athletics team surgeon.

MCL Reconstruction

Related Procedures and Conditions

ACL Reconstruction

Meniscus Repair

Torn ACL

or call801-640-0000

ContactTalk toa real person.

Two clinics, one number to call or text. Same-day appointments for acute injuries whenever we can. The front desk will match you with the right surgeon.

Call801-640-0000

TextSend a text

Provo1055 N 300 W, Ste 104

Orem700 W 800 N, Ste 330