MEDIAL COLLATERAL LIGAMENT TEAR (MCL TEAR)

SO, WHAT IS AN MCL TEAR?

• When the medial (inner) ligament of the knee is pulled or torn.
• More common than the LCL tear (lateral collateral ligament).
• A ruptured MCL can cause permanent damage.

MECHANISM

• Quick movement, twisting or bending of the knee
• Most common in contact sports such as football, basketball, hockey and soccer
• Caused when the knee abruptly turns in and weight is applied, or caused by an outside force.

ANATOMY

3 BONES FORM TO MAKE THE KNEE JOINT

• femur
• tibia
• patella

THE FOUR PRIMARY LIGAMENTS OF THE KNEE;

• Anterior cruciate ligament
• Posterior cruciate ligament
• Lateral collateral ligament
• Medial collateral ligament

CRUCIATE LIGAMENTS;

• Makes an "X"
• Controls the back and forth movements
• In the inside of the knee

COLLATERAL LIGAMENTS;

• On the sides of the knee
• Controls the sideways motion of the knee
• Braces against unusual movements of the leg and knee

SYMPTOMS

• Pain on the side of the knee
• Swelling on the inner knee
• Instability

TREATMENT/REHAB

• Most knee injuries can be diagnosed without an x-ray.
• Thorough physical exam is best and easier to diagnose.
• Though, x-rays can show if bones have been broken with the tear.
• Can be treated without surgery.

CONCLUSION

• An MCL tear is a treatable injury.
• You dont have to be an athlete to get an MCL tear.
• The injury is primarily an acute injury.
• This can occur in a varying range of activities and sports.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Orthoinfo.aaos.org
• Cedars-snai.edu
• Webmd.com
• Google Images
• Haiku Deck stock images

QUIZZY-POO

• What type of sports are more susceptible to an MCL tear?
• What "shape" do the cruciate ligaments make?
• How many primary ligaments are in the knee?
• Whats the main mechanism of an MCL tear?
• Is an x-ray needed to diagnose this injury? Why?