The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is one of four ligaments that help stabilise your knee joint. It is located on the inside of your knee joint, and spans from the end of your thigh bone (femur) to the top of your shin bone (tibia).
The MCL is usually injured when the outside of the knee joint is struck. This force causes the outside of the knee to buckle, and the inside to widen. When this happens, your knee can become unstable and easily widen on the inside.
An injury to the medial collateral ligament may occur alone, or it may be part of more serious injury to the knee. Other structures that could also be injured at the same time include include the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the meniscus.
Symptoms
Your symptoms can vary depending on the severity/grade of your tear. Some symptoms you may experience include:
- Pain, which can be mild to severe, which is felt directly over the injured ligament
- Swelling in the region
- A stiff knee
- A feeling that your knee is unstable and that it may buckle or lock
Causes
The main cause of injury to this ligament is when the knee is hit on its outer side. This then causes the medial ligament (which is on the inside of the knee) to stretch and even tear. It can also be torn due to overuse, which causes it to lose its normal stretchiness and makes it more liable to rupture. It is commonly injured along with an ACL tear.
Risk Factors
Engaging in sports in which contact to the outer knee is common eg hockey, soccer, karate.
Investigations
Your doctor may order you an X-ray or MRI of your knee to better visualize the structures in your knee.
Complications
Some complications that may arise include scar formation, knee instability, chronic pain and arthritis.
Treatment
The treatment chosen depends on the severity of the tear. Immediate management is RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation). You can take over the counter medications like aspirin to help with the pain and swelling. Also you can bear a knee brace to help stabilize your knee. After the initial pain and swelling resolves, it is very important to exercise your knee in order to strengthen your leg muscles and restore your range of movement. This rehabilitation should be slowly built up so as to not further your injury. In rare cases when this non-surgical approach fails you may need surgery.
Seeking Advice
Your Family Doctor (GP)
Your Family Doctor will be able to diagnose and help treat your problem. He or she will be able to
- tell you about your problem
- advise you of the best treatment methods
- prescribe you medications
- and if necessary, refer you to Specialists (Consultants) for further treatment
Prevention
The main way to prevent this injury is to use proper sporting technique during sports and exercise. However, most cases are unavoidable.
F.A.Q. | Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need to have surgery?
Persistent pain and mechanical symptoms that cannot be relieved by rest, anti-inflammatory medicines or physical therapy indicate a need for surgical intervention.
What is the recovery / rehabilitation like?
Recovery is generally excellent for the medial collateral ligament. The medial collateral ligament rarely requires surgery.