Ask Our Experts

Get answers to your orthopaedics questions from UM Orthopaedics experts.

Note: This is for informational purposes only. Doctors cannot provide a diagnosis via e-mail.

Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury of the knee

Definition:

Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury is a stretch, partial tear, or complete tear of the ligament on the inside of the knee.

Alternative Names:

Knee injury - medial collateral ligament (MCL); MCL injury

Considerations:

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) extends from the upper-inside surface of the shin bone to the bottom-inside surface of the thigh bone. The ligament stabilizes the joint on the inside of the knee.

Causes:

The MCL is usually injured by pressure placed on the knee joint from the outside.

It is often injured at the same time as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury .

Medial collateral ligament pain

Medial collateral ligament injury

Medial collateral ligament

Torn medial collateral ligament

Review Date: 9/26/2006
Reviewed By: Andrew L. Chen, M.D., M.S., Orthopedist, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)