Medial collateral ligament release during knee arthroscopy: key concepts

Complete access to the posterior medial compartment of the knee may represent a technical challenge during arthroscopy in patients with a tight tibiofemoral joint space. Medial collateral release reduces direct iatrogenic cartilage damage in the medial compartment of the knee through manipulation with instruments. We recommend performing medial collateral release in surgeries that access the posteromedial compartment (e.g. partial meniscectomy for ruptures of the posterior horn of medial meniscus or posterior root repairs) when the patient has a tight tibiofemoral joint space. There are two main techniques to perform medial collateral release: inside-out and outside-in. Regardless of the technique used, releasing medial ligament structures is a safe and effective method to be used in the diagnosis and treatment of injuries to the medial compartment. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:669-675. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.200128