Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injury

The rupturing of the Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) is caused by an impact to the outside of the knee. The impact pushesthe knee inward, stretching the MCL causing partial or full tears. There are three different levels of MCL tears.

Grade 1 tears are normally partial and there is no joint instability.
Grade 2 a partial tear with joint movement, yet when force is applied the joint is instable
Grade 3 a complete tear of the MCL, yet is not as painful as a grade two. Joint laxity is massive and the athlete will feel as if they have an unstable knee.

Symptoms

  • Knee is tender on the MCL
  • Swelling near or around the ligament
  • When stretching the knee there is definite joint movement with no definitive end point
  • Feelings of lack of stability and knee buckling

Treatment

  • Rest and ice
  • Anti-inflammatory medication when necessary
  • Hinged knee brace when necessary
  • Knee immobilizer when necessary and crutches
  • Surgery to reattach the ligament to the bone or repair the ligament if torn