Question 1

What is the MCL?

Accepted Answer

The MCL (medial collateral ligament) is a thick band of tissue on the inner side of your knee connecting your thighbone (femur) to your shinbone (tibia). It's one of four main ligaments stabilizing the knee. The MCL prevents your knee from bending inward and provides stability during side-to-side movements. Unlike the ACL (inside the knee joint), the MCL is outside the joint capsule and has excellent blood supply - this is why it heals so well without surgery. MCL injuries are the most common knee ligament injury, especially in contact sports. The ligament can be sprained (stretched) or torn partially or completely.

Question 2

What are the grades of MCL injury?

Accepted Answer

MCL injuries are graded 1-3 based on severity. Grade 1 (mild sprain): MCL stretched but not torn. Tender but knee stable on examination. Recovery 2-4 weeks. Grade 2 (partial tear): Some MCL fibers torn. Moderate pain, swelling, and some instability on examination. Recovery 6-8 weeks. Grade 3 (complete tear): MCL completely torn. Significant instability on examination - knee opens up when stress applied. Surprisingly, may hurt less than Grade 2 as torn ligament not being stretched. Recovery 3-4 months. Paradoxically, Grade 3 tears often heal very well with physiotherapy alone due to excellent blood supply - surgery rarely needed even for complete tears.

Question 3

Do I need surgery for MCL tear?

Accepted Answer

Probably not. The MCL has excellent blood supply and heals very well without surgery in over 90% of cases - even complete (grade 3) tears. Non-surgical treatment (physiotherapy, bracing) is standard for isolated MCL injuries of all grades. Surgery only considered if: 1) Combined with other injuries requiring surgery (ACL, PCL), 2) Bony avulsion (MCL tears off with piece of bone) not healing, 3) Chronic instability after 3-6 months of good physiotherapy, or 4) High-level athlete requiring maximum stability (controversial indication). Multiple studies show non-surgical treatment outcomes are as good as or better than surgery for isolated MCL tears. The MCL is one of the few ligaments that genuinely heals well on its own.

Question 4

How long until I can return to sport?

Accepted Answer

Depends on injury grade and sport demands. Grade 1: 2-4 weeks. Grade 2: 6-8 weeks, may use brace for contact sports. Grade 3: 12-16 weeks (3-4 months). Return to sport criteria include: no pain with sport-specific activities, full range of motion, strength 90%+ of uninjured side (measured by physiotherapist), passing agility tests, psychological confidence. Return to cutting/pivoting sports: start with brace for first 4-6 weeks back. Contact sports: brace recommended initially even after full recovery. Some athletes continue wearing prophylactic brace for high-risk activities. Rushing return increases re-injury risk significantly - follow physiotherapist's guidance. Functional testing confirms readiness better than time alone.

Question 5

Can I walk with an MCL tear?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes, but depends on severity. Grade 1: can usually walk with mild limp immediately, normal within few days. Grade 2: walking painful initially, may need crutches for 3-7 days, then walk with brace. Grade 3: very painful initially, need crutches and brace locked straight for 1-2 weeks, then gradually unlock brace and wean off crutches over next 2-4 weeks. Unlike ACL tears (which often cannot weight-bear immediately), MCL tears usually allow weight-bearing with support after initial days. Pain more than instability is limiting factor initially. Crutches mainly for pain relief and allowing healing - not for instability like with ACL tears. If you absolutely cannot weight-bear, see doctor urgently as may indicate combined injury.

Medical Disclaimer

MCL Injury (Medial Collateral Ligament Sprain)

📖What is MCL Injury (Medial Collateral Ligament Sprain)?

🔬What Causes It?

⚠️Risk Factors

You may be at higher risk if:

🛡️Prevention