Does Grade 3 MCL tear require surgery?

Since Grade III MCL injuries are complete tears, the ligament is unable to heal itself and surgery is needed. Surgery may also be needed if there is any grade of an MCL tear along with other ligament issues. A nonsurgical treatment plan will include some or all of the following: Applying ice to reduce swelling.

What happens if you tear both MCL and ACL?

ACL rupture along with MCL rupture can seriously compromise joint stability. These injuries can be difficult to treat. Multiple studies have shown that concomitant ACL reconstruction and MCL repair can lead to postoperative arthrofibrosis.

How bad is a Grade 3 MCL tear?

A grade 3 MCL tear the ligament ruptures meaning complete tearing of the fibers of the MCL. Since this is the most severe type of MCL tearing there is usually a significant amount of swelling and pain. The knee also becomes very difficult to bend. The knee will feel wobbly or unstable.

Can you repair ACL and MCL at the same time?

In this situation surgical repair of the MCL is performed at the same time as the ACL reconstruction. In this situation, there are usually other internal structures that have been injured that will require surgical treatment also. This surgery should be performed acutely within the first 2 weeks from injury.

What’s worse an ACL or MCL tear?

The limitations vary depending on which ligament was injured. However, while both cause a lot of discomfort, technically speaking, an ACL tear could be considered as worse, since it may require surgery to fully heal. On the other hand, a minor MCL tear can heal on its own.

Can you walk with a Grade 3 MCL tear?

If the MCL or ACL tears, the result is usually pain, swelling, stiffness, and instability. In most cases, the injured person can still walk with the torn knee ligament. But the movement will be severely limited, not to mention painful.

Can you walk without an ACL?

Athletes that can return to activity without ACL surgery have been described as “copers” (being able to cope without an intact ACL). But it turns out that most people do not qualify as copers and the risk of returning to play without having corrective surgery is so great that most will not choose that route.

Can you walk with Grade 3 MCL tear?

How long does it take for Grade 3 MCL to heal?

A grade 3 tear usually takes four to eight weeks to heal, unless the ACL is also damaged, in which case recovery may take longer.