2023 Annual Meeting Knee Access Pass-Medial Collateral Ligament Injuries: Management in the Elite Soccer Athlete

Medial Collateral Ligament Injuries: Management in the Elite Soccer Athlete

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Bonnie Gregory discusses medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries in elite soccer athletes, emphasizing that MCL injuries are common due to lateral impacts or pivoting. The superficial MCL is crucial for knee stability. Injuries are graded 1 to 3 by severity, with conservative management typically effective, even for many grade 3 injuries. Early rehabilitation focusing on controlled motion and strengthening is vital to promote proper healing. Surgical intervention is rare and reserved for specific cases. Return to play averages around 23-33 days but varies. Dr. Gregory highlights the need for more research on female professional soccer players, as current data mainly reflect male athletes.

Asset Caption

Bonnie P. Gregory, M.D.

Keywords

medial collateral ligament

MCL injuries

elite soccer athletes

knee stability

rehabilitation