Prognosis

Isolated MCL injuries

The prognosis for return to pre-injury level is excellent. The time for returning to sports depends on the grade of injury:

  • Grade I: 2 to 3 weeks

  • Grade II: 3 to 4 weeks

  • Grade III: 6 to 12 weeks

Long-term outcome studies have demonstrated that isolated MCL injuries have a good prognosis for function and sporting performance.[41] Further, isolated partial MCL ruptures have been found to have only a 10% incidence of re-injury within 10 years.[42]

MCL/anterior cruciate ligament combined injury

MCL/anterior cruciate ligament combined injuries have a good prognosis for full recovery, although the rehabilitation process is much lengthier. There is a higher incidence of re-injury, increased knee laxity, and osteoarthritic changes in this patient group.[41][42]

MCL/multi-ligament combined injury

These injuries have a fair prognosis for full recovery. There is a higher incidence of re-injury, increased knee laxity, and osteoarthritic changes in this patient group.[41][42]

Chronic MCL injury

Postoperative prognosis depends on type of MCL repair and the length of time the patient had chronic valgus laxity. In most patients, full functional recovery can be expected in 6 to 12 months.[31]

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