A medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear affects the inside of the knee.
The MCL is one of four major knee ligaments, including theanterior cruciate ligament(ACL).
Symptoms of an MCL injury tend to correlate with the extent of the injury.
Illustration by Gary Ferster for Verywell Health
The MCL is one of four ligaments that stabilize the knee.
Causes
Sports injuries are the most common reason for MCL injuries.
It is seen on an X-ray when calcium deposits affect the ligament as part of a chronic condition.
Treatment
Treatment of an MCL teardepends on the severity of the injury.
you’ve got the option to expect:
Physical therapy may be recommended as part of your recovery.
Physical therapy and, in rare cases, surgery also may be needed.
Michigan Medicine.Medial Collateral Ligament Injuries.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Collateral Ligament Injuries.
2024 Jul 11;58(9):1224-1231. doi:10.1007/s43465-024-01217-0.
Cedars Sinai.Medial Collateral Ligament Tears.
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) and Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Sprains.
2022 Jul 1;32(4):e441-e442.
doi:10.1097/JSM.0000000000000982
Mass General Brigham.What is an MCL Injury?
