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Review
. 2017 Aug 15;14(4):550-554.
doi: 10.1016/j.jor.2017.07.017. eCollection 2017 Dec.

Review: Medial collateral ligament injuries

Kyle Andrews  1 , Alex Lu  2 , Lucas Mckean  2 , Nabil Ebraheim  1
Affiliations
Review

Review: Medial collateral ligament injuries

Kyle Andrews et al. J Orthop. .

Abstract

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is a major stabilizer of the knee joint. It is the most common ligament injured in the knee, particularly in athletes, and has been reported to be torn in 7.9% of all knee injuries.2 The MCL has a complex, layered anatomy with multiple insertions and functions. Minor trauma can cause tearing of the superficial portion whereas higher energy mechanisms can disrupt both the deep and superficial layers. History and physical are often adequate, but the gold standard for diagnosis is MRI. Lesser injuries to the MCL can often be treated conservatively with early rehabilitation, but more significant tears often necessitate surgery. A thorough understanding of the MCL and associated injuries is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords: Anatomy; Knee; MCL; Medial collateral ligament; Pellegrini-stieda; Sports injury; Valgus stress.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Anterior view of the left knee with the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and Lateral Collateral ligament (LCL) highlighted to demonstrate their relationship to the osseous structures of the knee.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Represents a medial view of the right knee highlighting the proximal and distal attachments of the MCL on the femur and tibia respectively.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Medial view of the right knee displaying the muscular attachments of several muscles in relation to the insertion of the distal MCL.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Medial view of the right knee displaying a proximal tear of the medial collateral ligament (MCL).
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Similar view representing a distal MCL tear.
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Lateral view of the knee illustrating the increased strain placed on the ACL when the medial collateral ligament (MCL) is torn.
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Superior view of the knee joint showing a medial meniscus tear, a common injury occurring concurrently with MCL tears.
Fig. 8
Fig. 8
AP radiograph of the right knee with superior calcification of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) near the proximal attachment to the medial femoral condyle. This finding is often found in cases of Pellegrini-Stieda Syndrome.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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