MCL or ACL Ligament Tears in the Knee

The knee is stabilized by four ligaments:

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

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are the most commonly injured ligaments in the knee. The MCL typically is injured by a hit to the knee from the side. The ACL is injured with deceleration, pivoting and hyperextension of the knee which can happen in such sports as soccer, basketball and skiing.

MCL tear symptoms include:

• Pain on the inside of the knee
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Feeling the knee is not stable

ACL tear symptoms include:

• Hearing a pop in the knee followed by immediate swelling
• Feeling the knee joint is loose and may give out
• Pain
• Inability to bear weight on the knee

Orthopedic doctors specializing in knee injuries often can diagnose MCL and ACL tears by performing a physical exam of the knee to look for knee instability. X-rays or MRIs also may be conducted diagnose a ligament tear in the knee.

A MCL tear in the knee most often is treated successfully with:

• Rest
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• A brace (for more severe knee injuries)

An ACL tear cannot heal on its own. More active individuals with a complete tear risk instability and permanent damage to the knee joint if the ACL tear is not treated. Treatment options for an ACL tear include:

• Aggressive rehabilitation emphasizing hamstring strength
• Ligament reconstructive surgery to regain knee stability