In plain language
An MCL injury stretches or tears the ligament stabilizing the inner knee.
Clinical Significance & Management
Check for associated cruciate ligament or meniscus injury.
Symptoms & Clinical Presentation
Inner knee pain, swelling or sideways instability.
Etiology & Injury Mechanisms
- An outer-knee impact or valgus twisting force.
Diagnostics & Imaging Guide
Tenderness and valgus stability assessment; X-ray or MRI when indicated.
Treatment Options
Protection and rehabilitation, with bracing and loading limits based on stability.
Rehabilitation Milestones & Timeline
Rehabilitation depends on the diagnosis, procedure and associated injuries. Progression requires assessment of healing, symptoms and function; elapsed time or a single test cannot determine readiness for sport.
Rehabilitation progression
Restore motion and quadriceps strength while protecting the ligament, then assess stability and sport tasks.
Evidence-Based Clarifications
Most isolated injuries heal without surgery; pain alone does not grade the tear.
Sources & References
Educational clinical definitions synthesized from AAOS, Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, and HSS. Individual diagnosis and surgery require professional medical evaluation.
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