Medial Collateral Ligament of the Knee

The medial collateral ligament is one of the most commonly injured ligamentous structures of the knee joint and it acts as the primary static stabilizer to the medial side. The aim of this research is to study the structure of the medial collateral ligament and the mechanism of its injury. It is also to how to diagnose different types of tears and to determine different lines of management either conservatively or operatively. Through serial cutting studies, the MCL complex of the knee was found the primary restraint to prevent valgus opening and external rotation of the tibia and also demonstrated to play important secondary role in preventing anterior translation of the tibia in ACL deficient knees. Among the extra-articular ligaments, the medial collateral ligament of the knee has been studied extensively in clinical setting and laboratory, however still much argument about definite protocols for management. Clinically, it is wide accepted that first degree sprain is entirely symptomatic and the patient usually return to normal function and activities within a few days with rest, ice and compression bandage are usually required. Second degree sprains require more protection as apart of the ligament has been torn and the remaining part may stabilize the knee in routine testing. Most of surgeons still recommend not operating on isolated complete tears, especially those that demonstrate no laxity to valgus stress test in full extension. With third degree injuries there is not a definite protocol that had all of surgeon agreement, although it is widely accepted that isolated injuries are treated initially non surgically. Failure to recognize and treat the medial sided injury specially when combined with ACL tear can result in anteromedial rotatory instability or can cause failure of an isolated MCL repair to heal.