I tore the medial collateral ligament in my knee. Is it true I don’t need surgery to repair it? I had to have surgery for a torn ACL. What’s the difference?

Studies show that the medical collateral ligament (MCL) heals faster and better than other ligaments. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) doesn’t heal well on its own.

In fact animal studies have shown the MCL can be cut in half and still heal without surgery or immobilization. There’s even enough strength in the healed ligament to restore joint stability.

The joint can be restored to normal without surgery only when the MCL is the only ligament damaged. If the knee has a torn meniscus or torn ACL along with an injured MCL, then surgery is needed.