A MCL tear is a relatively common sporting injury affecting the knee and is characterised by tearing of the Medial Collateral Ligament of the knee (MCL). The MCL is situated at the inner aspect of the knee joint and is responsible for joining the inner aspect of the femur to the inner aspect of the tibia.
Injury to the MCL often occurs after an impact to the outside of the knee when the knee is slightly bent. The MCL on the inside of the knee becomes stretched and if the force is great enough, some or even all of the fibres will tear. The deep part of ligament is prone to becoming damaged first and this may lead to medial meniscal damage also. This usually occurs in sports such as football, soccer, netball from either twisting of the knee (indirect injury) or valgus forces on the knee (direct injury) - see image below
Injury to the MCL often occurs after an impact to the outside of the knee when the knee is slightly bent. The MCL on the inside of the knee becomes stretched and if the force is great enough, some or even all of the fibres will tear. The deep part of ligament is prone to becoming damaged first and this may lead to medial meniscal damage also. This usually occurs in sports such as football, soccer, netball from either twisting of the knee (indirect injury) or valgus forces on the knee (direct injury) - see image below
Patients with this condition may notice an audible snap or tearing sound at the time of injury. In minor cases of a MCL tear, patients may be able to continue activity only to experience an increase in pain, swelling and stiffness in the knee after activity with rest (particularly first thing in the morning). Often the pain associated with this condition is localized to the inner aspect of the knee.
A grade II MCL sprain is an acute soft tissue injury, which means it will result in pain, swelling, and an inability to perform normal joint movements. Effective rehabilitation techniques need to be followed to ensure a sufficient recovery in the fastest possible time.
A grade II MCL sprain is an acute soft tissue injury, which means it will result in pain, swelling, and an inability to perform normal joint movements. Effective rehabilitation techniques need to be followed to ensure a sufficient recovery in the fastest possible time.