MCL and MPFL reconstruction may help if knee pain, instability, or repeated kneecap slips are limiting sport, stairs, confidence, and daily activities. Find the right surgeon that fits your needs below, serving Canadians in major cities like Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Toronto, Ontario; and Montréal, Québec.
Informational purposes only, not medical or legal advice. Please consult your doctor or surgeon.
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MCL/MPFL reconstruction is surgery to rebuild important knee stabilizers when they’re torn.
The MCL (medial collateral ligament) sits on the inner side of your knee and stops it from caving inward. The MPFL (medial patellofemoral ligament) connects your kneecap to the inner thigh bone and keeps the kneecap from sliding out to the outside.
When these ligaments are badly damaged—after a twist, tackle, or repeated kneecap dislocations—the knee can feel loose, painful, or the kneecap may pop out.
In reconstruction, a surgeon uses a small tendon graft (often from your own hamstring or a donor) to create a new ligament. Tiny tunnels are drilled in the correct spots on the bones, the graft is threaded through, and secured with screws or anchors so it matches the ligament’s natural path and tension. For MPFL, the graft runs from the inner kneecap to the femur; for MCL, it spans the inner thigh bone to the shin.
The goal is to restore normal alignment and tracking so the knee feels stable, the kneecap stays centred, and everyday movements—walking, stairs, sports—feel controlled again.
Knee ligament reconstructions can face long wait times. Instead of waiting months for consultation and OR time, private centres can often schedule surgery sooner—reducing time spent with instability, swelling, and activity limits, and helping you return to school, work, or sport sooner.
Going private gives you more say in your care. You can:
Patients value knowing who will operate, when it will happen, and the detailed plan (graft choice, tunnel positions, bracing, rehab milestones). Clear timelines reduce anxiety, and help patients coordinate support, time off, and plan.
Operating time: about 60–120 minutes (1–2 hours). Combo cases (MCL + MPFL together) can run longer. Expect several hours for check‑in, anesthesia, and recovery before going home.
Basic steps
Your exact plan comes from your surgeon and can vary. Take rehab seriously—the more consistent you are, the better the outcome. Some private clinics offer virtual follow-ups or coordinate local physio. In general, what to expect after MCL/MPFL Reconstruction:
Week 1
Reality check: pain, swelling, stiffness, awkward sleep. Not fun.
Goals: control pain/swelling, protect the graft(s), prevent blood clots, start safe movement.
Activities:
Weeks 2–4
Still puffy but improving.
Goals: increase knee range of motion (ROM) within limits; normalize basic walking pattern with aids.
Activities:
Weeks 5–12
The work phase.
Goals: near-full ROM by ~8–10 weeks; begin strength and control.
Activities:
Weeks 13-52
Building a base. Return-to-sport phase (timing varies).
Goals: strong, stable knee with good alignment and tracking; power, endurance, and confident movement
Activities:
Red flags anytime: fever, wound redness/drainage, calf pain/swelling, chest pain/shortness of breath, new numbness/instability—contact your care team.
Private clinics in Canada typically charge:
In the United States, the average cost is:
Costs vary so much because of location, surgeon experience, facility type, complexity, and included services (some clinics offer all-inclusive, while others charge separately for anesthesia, followup care, etc.).
Choosing your surgeon is one of the benefits of going the private route. Here is what to consider when making your choice.
Another benefit of private surgery is time spent with the surgeon. The consultation will be between 30-60 minutes (but possibly 2 hours for complicated cases). Your surgeon should answer most of the questions below, but be sure to bring 5-7 that are important to you.
MCL and MPFL reconstructions are knee surgeries that fix torn ligaments that keep your knee stable. The MCL keeps your knee from caving inward; the MPFL keeps your kneecap from sliding out to the side.
No, you do not need a referral for private MCL/ MPFLreconstruction surgery in Canada. You can book a consultation directly with a surgeon, and they will review your condition, symptoms, and any previous treatments or diagnostics.
Your own situation depends on your pain level, knee stability, what imaging shows (MCL/MPFL injury, alignment, cartilage/meniscus damage), your overall health, and how well non‑surgical care works (brace, physio, activity changes). Discuss specifics with your surgeon.
Your individual risk depends on your health, knee anatomy and alignment, the exact ligament procedure (MCL, MPFL, or both), graft choice (your tendon vs donor), surgical technique, and how closely you follow brace/weight‑bearing and rehab instructions. Discuss your specific risks with your surgeon.
Your surgeon will tailor instructions to your exact procedure (isolated MCL, isolated MPFL, combined work, plus or minus tibial tubercle osteotomy).
Pre-surgery exercises: Expect a “quiet knee” focus—reduce swelling, regain near-full extension, and build quad activation (quad sets, straight-leg raises), glute/hamstring/core strength, and gentle range of motion as allowed.
Quit nicotine: Stop smoking/vaping/chew at least 4+ weeks before surgery—nicotine slows healing and raises infection and stiffness risks.
Weight, sleep, nutrition: Balanced diet with adequate protein, good sleep, and hydration improve outcomes.
Medications: Share a full list of meds and supplements. You may need to pause blood thinners, certain NSAIDs, and herbal supplements that increase bleeding—only with your surgeon/doctor’s approval.
Bracing: You may be fitted with a postoperative hinged knee brace. Learn how to put it on and lock/unlock settings.
Pre-op testing: You may need labs and updated imaging (X-rays/MRI ± CT for alignment/patellofemoral measurements) and medical clearance based on your health.
Safe pathways: Remove tripping hazards (cords, sliding rugs, clutter). Keep essentials at waist height to avoid deep bending and long crutch hops.
Bathroom: Consider a shower chair, non-slip mat, and grab bars. A raised toilet seat or toilet safety frame helps. Put toiletries/towels within easy reach.
Recovery station: Set up a chair or recliner with space to elevate your leg, plus ice/cold therapy, pillows, water, phone/charger, and meds.
Mobility aids: Arrange crutches or a walker; some people use a cane later. Practice using them before surgery.
Clothing and footwear: Loose shorts or wide-leg pants to fit over a bulky dressing/brace. Slip-on shoes with good grip.
A helper: Arrange a ride home and someone to stay for the first 24–48 hours. Have a backup contact for the first couple of weeks.
Work/school/chores: Plan time off. Desk work may be possible within 1–2 weeks (lighter loads), while manual work takes longer. Line up help for groceries, pets, stairs, and housekeeping.
Stairs: If you have stairs, set up a main-floor sleeping space if possible. Practice safe stair technique with crutches and a handrail.
Fasting: Follow anesthesia instructions exactly (no food after the cutoff; clear fluids as allowed).
Skin prep: Use the antiseptic wash (e.g., chlorhexidine) the night before and morning of surgery. Don’t shave your leg.
What to bring: Photo ID, medication list, comfortable shorts, your brace (if pre-issued), and crutches.
Jewelry/nails: Remove jewelry/anklets; avoid heavy nail polish on the operative foot to allow circulation checks.
Pain, swelling, and clot preventionPain plan: You may receive a nerve block that numbs the leg for 12–24 hours. Fill pain prescriptions in advance and have acetaminophen ± NSAIDs (if approved). Take the first dose before the block wears off.
Nausea/constipation: Ask for anti-nausea meds if needed. Stock stool softeners/fibre—opioids can constipate.
DVT prevention: Know your blood thinner plan (if any), use compression if advised, and start ankle pumps/short walks as allowed.
Swelling control: Elevate the leg above heart level and ice regularly per protocol.
Transfers and mobility: Practice getting in/out of bed, on/off the toilet, and in/out of a car while protecting the knee and brace settings.
Gait: Rehearse using crutches with partial or non–weight bearing as instructed. Learn to manage doors and tight spaces safely.
Daily activities: Set up one-handed meal prep, carry items in a small backpack or crossbody bag, and arrange a seated station for tasks.
If you still have questions, then feel free to contact us directly.
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