Is the medial collateral ligament still prone to laxity after reconstruction?

Generally, whether the reconstructed medial collateral ligament (MCL) is prone to loosening depends on the postoperative recovery. If recovery progresses well and rehabilitation exercises are performed properly, loosening rarely occurs. However, if recovery is inadequate or excessive activity resumes too early, loosening may develop. The detailed analysis is as follows:

If patients strictly follow medical advice after surgery, ensure adequate rest, and gradually begin standardized rehabilitation training only after the ligament has healed and stabilized—aimed at strengthening the muscles around the knee joint and improving knee stability—the reconstructed MCL can maintain its function effectively and is unlikely to become loose, thus providing solid support for knee movement.

If proper postoperative care is neglected, and intense physical activity or excessive loading is resumed too early, the reconstructed ligament may be subjected to excessive stress, impairing healing and resulting in insufficient ligament strength, which could lead to loosening. This may be accompanied by knee joint pain and instability, affecting normal walking and physical activities.

In daily care, it is important to emphasize sufficient rest after surgery and avoid premature or excessive activity; follow the rehabilitation plan step by step to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee joint; and take precautions to protect the knee from trauma and overloading, thereby ensuring the stability of the reconstructed ligament and reducing the risk of loosening.