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MCL Tear

Written by Tele Demetrious

Updated:

(Also known as a MCL Injury, Medial Collateral Ligament Tear, Torn MCL, MCL Sprain, Sprained MCL, Ruptured MCL)

What is a MCL tear?

A MCL tear is a relatively common sporting injury affecting the knee and is characterized by tearing of the Medial Collateral Ligament of the knee (MCL).

A ligament is a strong band of connective tissue which attaches bone to bone. The MCL is situated at the inner aspect of the knee joint and is responsible for joining the inner aspect of the femur (thigh bone) to the inner aspect of the tibia (shin bone) (figure 1).

Anatomy of a MCL Tear and medial collateral ligament
Figure 1 – Anatomy of a MCL Tear

The MCL is one of the most important ligaments of the knee, giving it stability. The MCL achieves this role by preventing excessive twisting, and side to side movements of the knee (valgus forces – figure 2). When these movements are excessive and beyond what the ligament can withstand, tearing to the MCL occurs. This condition is known as a MCL tear.

Valgus Force for MCL Tear
Figure 2 – Valgus force (often involved in a MCL tear)

A MCL tear may range from a small partial tear resulting in minimal pain, to a complete rupture of the MCL resulting in significant pain and disability. A MCL tear can be graded as follows:

Causes of a MCL tear

MCL tears typically occur during activities placing excessive strain on the MCL. This generally occurs suddenly due to a specific incident, however, occasionally may occur due to repetitive strain. There are two main movements that place stress on the MCL, these include:

When these movements (or combination of these movements) are excessive and beyond what the ligament can withstand, a MCL injury may occur.

MCL tears are frequently seen in contact sports or sports requiring rapid changes in direction. These may include: football, netball, basketball and downhill skiing. The usual mechanism of injury is a twisting movement when weight-bearing (especially when landing from a jump) or due to a collision to the outer knee, forcing the knee to bend in the wrong direction (such as another player falling across the outside of the knee). Occasionally a MCL injury may occur gradually due to repetitive activities such as breaststroke kicking when swimming.

Signs and Symptoms of a MCL tear

Patients with this condition may notice an audible snap or tearing sound at the time of injury. In minor cases of a MCL tear, patients may be able to continue activity only to experience an increase in pain, swelling and stiffness in the knee after activity with rest (particularly first thing in the morning). Often the pain associated with this condition is localized to the inner aspect of the knee.

In cases of a complete rupture of the MCL, pain is usually severe at the time of injury, however, may sometimes quickly subside. Patients may also experience a feeling of the knee going out and then going back in as well as a rapid onset of swelling (within the first few hours following injury). Patients with a complete MCL tear generally cannot continue activity due to pain or the knee feeling unstable. Occasionally, the patient may be unable to weight bear at the time of injury due to pain and may develop bruising and knee stiffness over the coming days.

Diagnosis of a MCL tear

A thorough subjective and objective examination from a physiotherapist is usually sufficient to diagnose a MCL tear. Investigations such as an X-ray, MRI scan or CT scan may be required to confirm diagnosis and determine the extent of damage or involvement of other structures within the knee.

Treatment for a MCL tear

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Prognosis of a MCL tear

With appropriate management, most patients with a minor to moderate MCL injury (grades 1 and 2) can return to sport or normal activity within 2 – 8 weeks. Patients with a complete rupture of the MCL will require a longer period of rehabilitation to gain optimum function. Patients with a MCL tear who also have damage to other structures of the knee such as the meniscus or collateral ligaments are likely to have an extended rehabilitation period.

Physiotherapy for a MCL tear

Physiotherapy for patients with this condition is vital to hasten the healing process, ensure an optimal outcome and reduce the likelihood of future recurrence. Treatment may comprise:

Other intervention for a MCL tear

Despite appropriate physiotherapy management, a small percentage of patients with a MCL injury do not improve adequately. When this occurs the treating physiotherapist or doctor can advise on the best course of management. This may involve further investigation such as an X-ray, CT scan or MRI, or a review by a specialist who can advise on any procedures that may be appropriate to improve the condition. Surgical reconstruction of the MCL may be required in rare cases of a complete MCL rupture when conservative measures fail.

Exercises for a MCL tear

The following exercises are commonly prescribed to patients with this condition. You should discuss the suitability of these exercises with your physiotherapist prior to beginning them. Generally, they should be performed 3 times daily and only provided they do not cause or increase symptoms.

Your physiotherapist can advise when it is appropriate to begin the initial exercises and eventually progress to the intermediate and advanced exercises. As a general rule, addition of exercises should take place provided there is no increase in symptoms.

Initial Exercises

Knee Bend to Straighten

Bend and straighten your knee as far as possible and comfortable without increasing your pain (figure 3). Repeat 10 – 20 times provided there is no increase in symptoms.

Exercises for an MCL Tear - Knee Bend to Straighten
Figure 3 – Knee Bend to Straighten (left leg)

Static Quadriceps Contraction

Tighten the muscle at the front of your thigh (quadriceps) by pushing your knee down into a towel (figure 4). Put your fingers on your inner quadriceps to feel the muscle tighten during contraction. Hold for 5 seconds and repeat 10 times as hard as possible without increasing your symptoms.

Exercises for an MCL Tear - Static Quadriceps Contraction
Figure 4 – Static quadriceps contraction (left leg)

Intermediate Exercises

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Advanced Exercises

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Rehabilitation Protocol for a MCL tear

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Physiotherapy products for a MCL tear

Some of the most commonly recommended products by physiotherapists to hasten healing and speed recovery in patients with this condition include:

To purchase physiotherapy products for a medial collateral ligament tear click on one of the above links or visit the PhysioAdvisor Shop

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