Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this video, we demonstrate a medial collateral ligament (MCL) reconstruction surgery using a gracilis tendon autograft, combined with FiberTak® anchors and InternalBrace™ augmentation, to restore medial knee stability.
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is a key stabilizer of the knee, preventing excessive valgus movement. Severe injuries or chronic instability may require reconstruction rather than simple repair.
🔧 Procedure Overview
The procedure begins with an incision along the medial aspect of the knee, allowing exposure of the MCL and identification of the gracilis tendon, which is harvested for graft use.
The gracilis autograft is preserved at its tibial attachment, allowing better control and eliminating the need for separate tunnel placement in some cases.
Anchors are placed along the native course of the MCL, recreating both proximal and distal attachments. The graft is passed through these anchor constructs and secured under appropriate tension to restore ligament function.
Attention is then directed to the femoral and tibial fixation points, where additional anchors are used to reproduce the anatomical footprint of the ligament.
An InternalBrace™ suture tape augmentation is incorporated into the construct, reinforcing the reconstruction and providing added stability during healing.
Final fixation is performed with the knee positioned in slight flexion and proper alignment to ensure optimal tensioning and range of motion.
✅ Key Benefits of MCL Reconstruction with InternalBrace™
Restores anatomical stability of the medial knee
Reinforces graft with suture tape augmentation
Allows early mobilization and rehabilitation
Reduces risk of graft elongation or failure
Recreates both superficial and deep MCL structures
🦵 Clinical Applications
This procedure is commonly used for:
High-grade MCL tears
Chronic medial knee instability
Combined ligament injuries (ACL/MCL)
Failed prior MCL repair
🏃 Recovery & Outcomes
Postoperative care typically includes:
Controlled early motion
Progressive strengthening
Gradual return to activity
With proper rehabilitation, patients can regain stability, function, and confidence in knee performance.
🎯 Who This Video Is For
Orthopedic surgeons & residents
Sports medicine specialists
Knee ligament reconstruction learners
Patients researching MCL surgery options
👇 Helpful Arthrex Reference Links:
arthrex.com/shoulder?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video_description&utm_campaign=corp_shoulder&utm_content=W3tzP16HHFo_surgical_technique
arthrex.com/resources?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video_description&utm_campaign=corp_general&utm_content=W3tzP16HHFo_surgical_technique
👍 Like, comment, and subscribe to see more patient success stories and innovations in minimally invasive orthopedic procedures.
The InternalBrace surgical technique is intended only to augment the primary repair/reconstruction by expanding the area of tissue approximation during the healing period and is not intended as a replacement for the native ligament. The InternalBrace technique is for use during soft tissue-to- bone fixation procedures and is not cleared for bone-to-bone fixation.
Arthrex is a global leader in orthopedic surgical innovation, dedicated to advancing minimally invasive techniques and medical education. Our mission is to help surgeons treat their patients better by providing cutting-edge products, expert training, and comprehensive resources for orthopedic procedures, including sports medicine, joint preservation, and trauma care.
Stay Connected: 👍 Subscribe to our channel for the latest in orthopedic surgical techniques and product updates.
📱 Follow Arthrex on:
LinkedIn: / linkedin.com/company/arthrex
Facebook: / facebook.com/Arthrex
Instagram: / instagram.com/arthrexmeded
X: https://x.com/arthrex
In this video, we demonstrate a medial collateral ligament (MCL) reconstruction surgery using a gracilis tendon autograft, combined with FiberTak® anchors and InternalBrace™ augmentation, to restore medial knee stability.
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is a key stabilizer of the knee, preventing excessive valgus movement. Severe injuries or chronic instability may require reconstruction rather than simple repair.
🔧 Procedure Overview
The procedure begins with an incision along the medial aspect of the knee, allowing exposure of the MCL and identification of the gracilis tendon, which is harvested for graft use.
The gracilis autograft is preserved at its tibial attachment, allowing better control and eliminating the need for separate tunnel placement in some cases.
Anchors are placed along the native course of the MCL, recreating both proximal and distal attachments. The graft is passed through these anchor constructs and secured under appropriate tension to restore ligament function.
Attention is then directed to the femoral and tibial fixation points, where additional anchors are used to reproduce the anatomical footprint of the ligament.
An InternalBrace™ suture tape augmentation is incorporated into the construct, reinforcing the reconstruction and providing added stability during healing.
Final fixation is performed with the knee positioned in slight flexion and proper alignment to ensure optimal tensioning and range of motion.
✅ Key Benefits of MCL Reconstruction with InternalBrace™
Restores anatomical stability of the medial knee
Reinforces graft with suture tape augmentation
Allows early mobilization and rehabilitation
Reduces risk of graft elongation or failure
Recreates both superficial and deep MCL structures
🦵 Clinical Applications
This procedure is commonly used for:
High-grade MCL tears
Chronic medial knee instability
Combined ligament injuries (ACL/MCL)
Failed prior MCL repair
🏃 Recovery & Outcomes
Postoperative care typically includes:
Controlled early motion
Progressive strengthening
Gradual return to activity
With proper rehabilitation, patients can regain stability, function, and confidence in knee performance.
🎯 Who This Video Is For
Orthopedic surgeons & residents
Sports medicine specialists
Knee ligament reconstruction learners
Patients researching MCL surgery options
👇 Helpful Arthrex Reference Links:
arthrex.com/shoulder?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video_description&utm_campaign=corp_shoulder&utm_content=W3tzP16HHFo_surgical_technique
arthrex.com/resources?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video_description&utm_campaign=corp_general&utm_content=W3tzP16HHFo_surgical_technique
👍 Like, comment, and subscribe to see more patient success stories and innovations in minimally invasive orthopedic procedures.
The InternalBrace surgical technique is intended only to augment the primary repair/reconstruction by expanding the area of tissue approximation during the healing period and is not intended as a replacement for the native ligament. The InternalBrace technique is for use during soft tissue-to- bone fixation procedures and is not cleared for bone-to-bone fixation.
Arthrex is a global leader in orthopedic surgical innovation, dedicated to advancing minimally invasive techniques and medical education. Our mission is to help surgeons treat their patients better by providing cutting-edge products, expert training, and comprehensive resources for orthopedic procedures, including sports medicine, joint preservation, and trauma care.
Stay Connected: 👍 Subscribe to our channel for the latest in orthopedic surgical techniques and product updates.
📱 Follow Arthrex on:
LinkedIn: / linkedin.com/company/arthrex
Facebook: / facebook.com/Arthrex
Instagram: / instagram.com/arthrexmeded
X: https://x.com/arthrex
