Specialized MCL Treatment in Singapore MCL Reconstruction Surgery

Dr. Sean Leo specializes in MCL injury care, backed by over 25 years of orthopedic expertise. He uses advanced, minimally invasive techniques for MCL reconstruction to restore knee stability, improve mobility, and support a confident return to daily activities or sports.

Picture of Dr. Sean Leo

Dr. Sean Leo

Orthopedic Surgeon Singapore
MCL Diagram

What is MCL Injury?

Understanding Knee Ligament Injuries with Dr. Sean Leo.

Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) injuries are common knee injuries, especially among athletes involved in sports that require sudden changes in direction or direct contact. These injuries can vary from mild sprains to complete tears, often leading to symptoms that affect knee stability and movement.

The MCL is located along the inner side of the knee and helps prevent it from bending too far inward. When injured, it can cause discomfort and limit mobility.

Recognizing MCL injury symptoms early and consulting a knee specialist is key to determining the best course of treatment. While many cases respond well to rest and physiotherapy, severe tears may require surgical reconstruction to restore knee function.

Exploring treatment options early helps support a full and confident return to activity.

Knee Injuries in Basketball & Football:
When to Seek Specialist Care

Dr. Sean Leo explains how proper techniques prevent sports injuries and why timely treatment is crucial for athletes' long-term joint health.

What are the Symptoms
of a MCL Tear

Recognizing the symptoms of an MCL tear early can help guide effective treatment and recovery. MCL injuries often occur during sports that involve sudden changes in direction or direct impacts to the knee.

Common symptoms of an MCL tear include:
MCL Injuries

Pain and Tenderness Along the Inner Knee

Patients often experience pain on the inner side of the knee, especially when pressure is applied to the area.

Swelling

Swelling typically develops within hours of the injury, as fluid and blood accumulate in the knee joint.

Limited Knee Movement

Difficulty bending or straightening the knee may occur due to pain and swelling.

Instability

A feeling of instability or weakness in the knee, especially when bearing weight, is common with more severe tears.

MCL Injury Treatment and Recovery

Specialized Care by Dr. Sean Leo, Orthopaedic Knee & Sports Injury Specialist
  • Treatment Options
  • When Needed
  • Recovery Time
  • Success Rates
  • Surgery Costs

What are the treatment options for MCL injuries?

Surgical vs Non-surgical

For a complete MCL tear, surgical reconstruction may be required to restore knee stability and function. The procedure typically involves using minimally invasive techniques to repair or reconstruct the damaged ligament. In some cases, MCL tears can be managed non-surgically with bracing and physical therapy, especially for partial tears or in less active individuals.

Dr. Sean Leo specializes in advanced MCL reconstruction techniques, ensuring that each patient receives personalized care to promote optimal healing and recovery. The treatment plan will depend on factors such as the severity of the injury, activity level, age, and overall health.

A thorough evaluation by a knee specialist is essential to determine the most suitable approach for your MCL injury, ensuring the best outcome for your knee stability and mobility.

When would you need MCL surgery?

Act Promptly for Better Outcomes

MCL injuries, especially complete tears, often require surgical intervention to restore knee stability and function. Unlike other knee ligaments, the MCL can sometimes heal on its own with rest and rehabilitation, but certain factors may indicate the need for surgery. 

Surgical intervention for MCL injuries may be recommended if:

  • A complete MCL tear is confirmed by imaging (such as MRI).
  • There is significant knee instability, affecting daily activities or mobility.
  • The individual is highly active and wants to return to sports or physically demanding tasks.
  • Multiple ligament injuries are present, further complicating the healing process.
  • The patient is young and has an active lifestyle that requires optimal knee function.

Early consultation with a knee specialist is essential to assess the injury and determine the best treatment plan to ensure optimal recovery and long-term knee health.

How long does it take to recover from MCL surgery?

What to Expect

Recovery from MCL surgery typically takes about 6 to 9 months, with full recovery and a return to sports or intense physical activities often requiring up to 12 months. The recovery timeline can vary based on individual factors, the severity of the injury, and progress during rehabilitation.

The recovery journey generally follows these phases:

Initial phase (0-2 weeks)
Focus on pain management, reducing swelling, and regaining basic mobility.

Early rehabilitation (2-6 weeks)
Begin improving range of motion and start light strength exercises.

Intermediate phase (6-12 weeks)
Progressive strengthening exercises and balance training.

Advanced rehabilitation (3-6 months)
Focus on sport-specific exercises, improving agility and coordination.

Return to activity (6-12 months)
Gradual return to full sports participation with specific drills that simulate actual game scenarios.

Each individual’s recovery may differ, but a personalized rehabilitation plan, tailored by an experienced knee specialist, is essential for a safe and effective recovery.

How successful is MCL surgery?

Evidence-Based Outcomes

MCL surgery is generally very successful, with high success rates for restoring knee stability and function. Modern surgical techniques and advancements in rehabilitation have significantly improved outcomes for patients undergoing MCL reconstruction.

Key indicators of success include:

  • Restoration of knee stability
  • Return to pre-injury activity levels
  • Prevention of further knee damage
  • Improvement in quality of life

While MCL surgery has a high success rate, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications. Some patients may require revision surgery if the ligament does not heal as expected. Success is influenced by factors such as rehabilitation adherence, graft choice, and individual healing capacity.

Regular follow-up visits with your orthopedic specialist throughout the recovery process are essential to ensure optimal healing and long-term knee health.

How much does MCL surgery cost?

Financial Considerations

Cost of procedure varies based on the complexity of the surgery to be performed and individual insurance panel specifications. These will be discussed with you by Dr Sean’s clinic staff after the consultation should you wish to proceed with surgery. The clinic staff are experienced in assisting with applications for letter of guarantees from various insurance panels and corporate insurance panels. 

Factors influencing the cost include:

  • Surgical technique and complexity
  • Type of graft used
  • Hospital or day surgery center fees
  • Anaesthesia services
  • Pre-operative assessments
  • Post-operative rehabilitation

Take the First Step Towards Recovery

Dr. Sean Leo, orthopedic surgeon in Singapore, provides comprehensive assessment and personalized treatment plans for MCL injuries and knee conditions.