Intraoperative Medial Instability During Total Knee Arthroplasty

A review article summarizes the existing literature on intraoperative injury to medial collateral ligament (MCL) during total knee arthroplasty (TKA), methods of fixation, repair, and the outcomes after these injuries. The options for increasing implant constraint and repair of the MCL injury are discussed with the potential indications for each. There is also a review of risk factors for MCL injury during TKA to help anticipate potential issues preoperatively. The proper use of retractors during total knee replacement is also discussed with a focus on careful protection of the MCL during surgery.