Distal Medial Collateral Ligament Repair With Suture Augmentation

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Knee Ligament Injuries

Background:

• Distal medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries are less common and heal poorly compared to proximal injuries.
• Surgical intervention is indicated for complete distal MCL tears with instability and associated injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the surgical technique for distal MCL repair with suture augmentation.
• To highlight the management of concomitant medial meniscocapsular junction tears.

Main Methods:

• Arthroscopic repair of a medial meniscocapsular junction tear using all-inside sutures.
• Distal MCL repair utilizing knotless, all-suture anchors and fiber tape augmentation.
• Graft fixation to the tibia with the knee in neutral rotation, 30° flexion, and varus stress.

Main Results:

• The patient achieved full range of motion and stability at 3 months postoperatively.
• Demonstrated >95% thigh muscle strength at 6 months compared to the contralateral limb.
• Returned to sports without limitations at 6 months postoperatively.

Conclusions:

• Arthroscopic distal MCL repair with suture augmentation is a viable surgical option for complete tears with instability and meniscal injuries.
• This technique is replicable and effective in restoring knee function and stability.