Acronym

MCL - Medial Collateral Ligament

Medial Collateral Ligament

Ligament on medial (inner) side of knee

Expansion

Medial Collateral Ligament

Purpose

Assess for tear or strain (medial knee pain)

Clinical Context

Medial collateral ligament includes superficial and deep components. Superficial medial collateral ligament tear common (valgus stress); deep medial collateral ligament involved in unhappy triad (anterior cruciate ligament plus medial collateral ligament plus meniscus).

  • Lateral collateral ligament
  • Knee ligaments

Key Points

  • Medial collateral ligament tear common in sports injury; grade 1 to 3 (strain, partial, complete tear)