Overview of medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain
[NB1]
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain is a common sports-related injury.
- Diagnosis is clinical and investigations are not usually required.
- Initial management should involve the POLICE regimen [NB2] and analgesia.
- Counsel patients about nonsurgical and surgical treatment options, depending on the grade of injury; nonsurgical management may lead to similar functional results as surgeryRoberts, 2021.
Note:
NB1: This list is a summary guide only; refer to full text.
NB2: POLICE = Protection, Optimal Loading, Ice, Compression, Elevation.
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) runs from the medial femoral epicondyle to the medial surface of the tibia just below the knee joint. It prevents excessive valgus movement at the knee joint.
MCL sprains occur when valgus stress at the knee, most often in a semiflexed position, exceeds the tensile limits of the ligament. Injuries are graded as:
- grade 1—minor sprain
- grade 2—incomplete tear
- grade 3—complete tear.