Collateral Ligaments

The knee joint is stabilised by four major ligaments:

Anterior Cruciate ligament (front)
Posterior Cruciate ligament (back)
Medial Collateral ligament (inside)
Lateral collateral ligament (outside)

Click here for further information regarding the cruciate ligaments

Medical Collateral Ligament (MCL)

The medical collateral ligament is located on the inside of the knee and is designed to resist the knee collapsing inwards. The MCL has an attachment to the meniscus (knee cartilage) so it is very common for both structures to suffer injury at the same time.

 How is the MCL injured?

Injury to the MCL is usually as a result of either a

 - twisting motion to the knee
 - landing awkwardly from a jump
 - impact to the outside of the knee i.e. rugby tackle

or a combination of the above.

As with all ligament sprains there are classifications which are explained below:

First degree ligament sprain

- Some stretching of the ligament fibres
- Minimum pain or discomfort
- Minimal or no swelling
- Normal range of movement

Second degree ligament sprain

-  Considerable proportion of ligament fibres torn
- Instability of the joint
- Moderate to severe pain, sometime unable to weight bear initially
- Swelling and possible bruising 

Third degree ligament sprain

- Total rupture of the ligament
- Severe swelling and bruising
- Large joint instability
- Although grade three tears can be extremely painful, some can be pain
  free due to tearing of sensory nerve fibres

Treatment

MCL injuries have a good recovery rate providing the patient receives the best possible rehabilitation programme. Treatment of all ligament injuries should be focused on regaining full range of motion, increasing strength in surrounding muscles, improving flexibility and coordination. With the knee ligaments in particular, the hip, lower back and ankle should be analysed by the practitioner in order to correct pre-disposing factors to injury. Muscle strength and coordination should also be assessed in these areas as they play a vital role in stabilizing the knee.

 

Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL)

The lateral collateral ligament is located on the outside of the knee and is designed to resist the knee collapsing outwards. Injury to LCL is not as common as injury to the MCL. This is because of its anatomical advantage of being on the outside of the knee where less stressed is placed upon it.

How is the LCL injured?

The most common form of LCL injury is excessive stress to the inside of the knee which forces the knee to collapses outwards.

Treatment

Treatment of an MCL injury should follow the same treatment protocols as an MCL injury described above

To receive the best treatment for your discomfort arrange an appointment today or if you have any questions please feel free to email