Medial Collateral Ligament Injury of the Knee: A Review on Current Concept and Management

Document Type : CURRENT CONCEPTS REVIEW

Authors

1 Joint Reconstruction Research Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Joint Reconstruction Research Center Imam Khomeini Hospital Tehran University of Medical Sciences

3 Joint Reconstruction Research Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran- Joint Reconstruction Research Center, Orthopedic Surgery Department, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is a major stabilizer of the knee joint, providing support against rotatory and
valgus forces; moreover, it is the most common ligament injured during knee trauma. The MCL injury results in valgus
instability of the knee and makes the patient susceptible to degenerative knee osteoarthritis. Although it has been
nearly a dogma to manage MCL injury nonoperatively, recent literature has suggested operative MCL management
as a suitable option for specific patient populations. The present review aimed to assess the current literature on the
management of MCL injuries of the knee. In this regard, we go over the anatomy, physical examination, and MCL
imaging.
Level of evidence: IV

Keywords


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