INTRODUCTION​

• The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is one of the major knee ligaments providing stability to the knee

• The primary function of the MCL is to prevent the leg bone from turning out (valgus) relative to the thigh bone. 

• Injury to the MCL can lead to knee instability 

• Occurs more in males than females

• 40% of knee ligament injuries are MCL tears, making them the most common knee ligament injury

CAUSES

• MCL tears can occur in the setting of multiple ligament injury or in isolation with a direct force directed on the outside of the knee (valgus stress)

• Contact MCL injuries are more common than noncontact

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• MCL tears are almost always associated with a pop followed by immediate pain in the inside (medial side) of the knee

• Knee bruising and mild swelling can be seen after MCL tears

TREATMENT​​

• The vast majority of MCL injuries are treated without surgery

• Mild grade 1 MCL tears can be treated with a short period of rest, anti-inflammatories and a course of physical therapy or home exercise program with a focus on strengthening the quadriceps and hip adductors. 

• Grade 2 or 3 MCL tears can be treated with hinged knee bracing as well as physical therapy

• Full or complete grade 3 MCL tears with instability can be managed with surgery consisting of open MCL repair or reconstruction

        PREVENTION

• Functional bracing in football players and linemen can decrease the incidence of MCL injuries