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 * Torn MCL

__OverView: What is the medial collateral ligament?__** The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is one of four ligaments that are critical to the stability of the knee joint. A ligament is made of tough fibrous material and functions to control excessive motion by limiting joint mobility. The four major stabilizing ligaments of the knee are the anterior and posterior critical ligaments (ACL and PCL, respectively), and the medial and lateral collateral ligaments (MCL and LCL, respectively).

 __**Etiology**__

Causes and Risk Factors of Medial Collateral Ligament Tears
Injuries to the medial collateral ligament most often happen when the knee is hit directly on its outer side. This stretches the ligaments on the inside of the knee too far or can tear them. It is not uncommon for athletes to suffer tears of the medial collateral ligament and anterior cruciate ligament at the same time. The ligament also can be injured through repeated stress. This causes the ligament to lose its normal stretch and elasticity similar to a worn-out rubber band.

__Treating Medial Collateral Ligament Tears__
The medial collateral ligament has a good blood supply and usually responds well to non-surgical treatment. Depending on how bad the injury is, it may be enough to rest the knee, wear a brace, take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and have physical therapy.To keep the knee from moving, your doctor may recommend a lightweight cast or brace that allows your knee to move backward and forward but limits side-to-side motion. This usually is recommended for 72 hours. Depending on how well your pain and swelling get better, you may be able to start a rehabilitative program in a few days.A torn medial collateral ligament is rarely treated with surgery. When surgery is done, it is usually done through a small incision on the inside of your knee. It is not done arthroscopically, since this ligament is not inside the knee joint. If the medial collateral ligament has been torn where it attaches to the thighbone (femur) or shinbone (tibia), the surgeon will re-attach the ligament to the bone using large stitches or a metal screw or bone staple. If the tear was in the middle of the ligament, the surgeon will sew the torn ends together.

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is a wide, thick band of tissue that runs down the inner part of the knee from the thighbone (femur) to a point on the shinbone (tibia) about four to six inches from the knee. The MCL's main function is to prevent the leg from extending too far inward, but it also helps keep the knee stable and allows it to rotate.
 * __Anatomical breakdown__**

__Symptoms of Medial Collateral Ligament Tears__ If the medial collateral ligament has been damaged or torn, you will usually have:
 * Pain, which can range from mild to severe, depending on how serious your injury is
 * Stiffness
 * Swelling
 * Tenderness along the inside of the knee
 * A feeling that your knee may give way under stress or may lock or catch.

__Diagnosing Medial Collateral Ligament Tears__
Grade 1: Some tenderness and minor pain at the point of the injury. Grade 2: Noticeable looseness in the knee when moved by hand; major pain and tenderness at the inside of the knee; swelling, in some cases. Grade 3: Considerable pain and tenderness at the inside of the knee; some swelling and marked joint instability. The knee opens up about one centimeter (slightly less than half an inch) when the doctor moves your leg around. A grade three MCL tear often occurs along with a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament.