Blog #12: The Medial Collateral Ligament by Chris Schattinger, MS, CSCS, CISSN

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is found on the inner portion of the knee. Like the ACL and PCL the MCL connects the femur to the tibia.

The primary role of the medial collateral ligament is to prevent excessive inward movement of the knee. This ligament is also typically injured by and outside force applied knee, again our example of the linebacker colliding with the side of a running back’s knee.

Surgical repair of the MCL is not very common, as this ligament has a good blood supply. Therefore, rehabilitation and a brace is usually enough for the ligament to heal. However, Grade 3 injury to the MCL (a full tear) is typically seen with injury to the ACL and could warrant surgical repair.

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