Whether you need surgery after a knee injury is determined by these things

Q. I am 24 and a competitive recreational soccer player. Last week, my knee was hit on its outside portion. My knee jerked inwards and I felt a pop. I had severe pain on the inside of my knee. My orthopedic surgeon is concerned I tore my MCL and put me in a long leg brace. I am awaiting an MRI, but the doctor mentioned surgery as a strong possibility. Does this sound right and what options do I have?

A. There are four main ligaments that help stabilize the knee. The MCL on the inside part of the knee and the LCL on the outside part of the knee are important for side-to-side stability.

Most of the time, if the MCL or LCL are torn as an isolated injury, they can heal without surgery, providing there is a period of long leg bracing followed by a rehab program. The MCL and LCL ligaments have a good micro circulation and have the ability to heal if treated properly.

The ACL and PCL are two ligaments that maintain the knee’s rotational stability. These ligaments crisscross deep in the knee joint itself. If they are injured, they do not have a good micro circulation and thus can’t usually heal themselves.

I agree with your doctor’s plan to immobilize the knee while awaiting the MRI scan, which will outline the ligaments and cartilage. The severity and location of the MCL tear as well as any other other knee damage will determine if surgery is necessary.

Dr. Harlan Selesnick is team physician of the Miami Heat and director of Miami Sports Medicine Fellowship, Doctors Hospital. Send your questions to HarlanS@baptisthealth.net