Sudden twisting motions or direct impact to the knee during contact sports can lead to overstretching or tearing of the MCL.
Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injury Specialist In Singapore
Dr Wang Lushun
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore)
MRCS (Edin)
MMed (Ortho)
FRCS (Ortho) (Edin)
- Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon
- Internationally recognised, more than 1500 surgeries performed
What is an MCL Injury?
A medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury involves damage to one of the main ligaments on the inner side of the knee. The MCL stabilises the knee by preventing excessive inward movement of the joint. Injuries to the MCL usually occur during contact or high-impact activities. The extent of the injury ranges from mild sprains to complete tears, which can affect the knee’s stability, function, and movement.
Symptoms of MCL Injury
The common symptoms of an MCL injury include:
Pain on the Inner Side of the Knee
Pain occurs when an overstretched or torn ligament causes inflammation and discomfort in the injured area. The intensity can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of damage.
Swelling
Swelling results from the body’s natural response to ligament damage, which causes fluid accumulation around the knee joint.
Knee Instability
Instability occurs when the ligament is weakened or torn, affecting the knee’s ability to support itself during movement. This can cause the knee to feel as if it may give way or buckle, particularly when standing or walking.
Stiffness and Reduced Range of Motion
Inflammation and swelling can cause stiffness, making it difficult to fully bend or straighten the knee.
Causes and Risk Factors of MCL Injury
MCL injuries typically result from events that place excessive stress on the ligament, such as:
Sports Injuries
Accidents or Falls
Sudden falls or motor vehicle accidents that force the knee to bend inward unnaturally can place excessive stress on the MCL, leading to damage.
Previous Knee Injuries
Pre-existing knee injuries may weaken the ligament, increasing susceptibility to further damage, especially during physical activities.
Types of MCL Injuries
MCL injuries are generally classified into three grades based on severity:
Grade 1: Mild
This involves a minor sprain where the ligament fibres are overstretched but remain intact. Although the structural damage is minimal, the ligament may lose some elasticity, which can temporarily reduce its ability to stabilise the knee.
Grade 2: Moderate
A partial tear indicates that some of the ligament fibres are damaged, disrupting the continuity of the tissue. This compromises the ligament’s ability to resist inward pressure on the knee, making the joint less stable during movement.
Grade 3 (Severe)
A complete tear involves a full rupture of the ligament, separating it into two or more pieces. In some cases, the ligament may detach from the bone, further weakening knee stability. Without the MCL’s support, the knee can no longer resist inward forces, making it highly unstable.
Diagnosis of MCL Injury
To diagnose an MCL injury, doctors may conduct:
- Physical Examination: The doctor applies pressure to the inside and outside of the knee to check for pain or instability, comparing it with the uninjured knee. This helps identify abnormal movement, indicating whether the ligament has been overstretched or torn.
- Imaging Tests: X-rays rule out fractures or dislocations that may accompany ligament injuries. MRI scans offer a clearer view of the MCL and other soft tissues, identifying the extent of damage and whether other structures, such as the meniscus, are also affected.
- Joint Testing: Manual tests, such as the valgus stress test, involve gently applying pressure to the outside of the knee to assess how much the joint opens on the inner side. A noticeable gap or excessive movement suggests a more severe tear, helping confirm the grade of the injury and the need for appropriate treatment.
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Treatment Options for MCL Injury
Treatment for an MCL injury can vary based on the severity of the injury, with both non-surgical and surgical methods used to promote healing and restore knee function.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Conservative management is typically recommended for mild to moderate injuries (Grades 1 and 2).
Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE)
Rest allows the injured ligament time to heal by avoiding stress on the joint. Ice reduces pain and swelling by constricting blood vessels, while compression with an elastic bandage helps prevent further swelling. Elevating the knee minimises fluid accumulation in the joint.
Knee Bracing
A knee brace provides external support to limit excessive movement and prevent aggravation of the injury. In some cases, hinged braces are used to restrict side-to-side movement, protecting the healing ligament during daily activities.
Physical Therapy
Rehabilitation focuses on strengthening the muscles around the kneeto improve joint stability and prevent future injuries. Flexibility exercises help restore the knee’s full range of motion, and balance training ensures the joint can handle dynamic movements safely.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is typically reserved for Grade 3 MCL tears or cases where the ligament has completely ruptured.
Ligament Repair or Reconstruction
In a repair procedure, the surgeon reattaches the torn ends of the ligament, provided the tissue is in good condition and suitable for healing. In cases where repair is not feasible, the surgeon performs a reconstruction using a tissue graft, typically harvested from the patient’s hamstring tendon or a donor. The new graft serves to replace the damaged ligament and restore structural integrity to the knee.
Prevention and Management of MCL Injury
Preventing MCL injuries involves strengthening the muscles around the knee to improve stability and practising proper techniques during physical activities. Using appropriate footwear and knee braces during high-risk sports can provide additional support.
For those recovering from an MCL injury, a gradual return to activities helps the knee regain strength and reduces the risk of re-injury.
Dr Wang Lushun
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore)
MRCS (Edin)
MMed (Ortho)
FRCS (Ortho) (Edin)
Internationally Recognised & Double Fellowship-Trained Surgeon With Over 18 Years of Experience
- Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS),
National University of Singapore - Member of The Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS),
Edinburgh, United Kingdom - Master of Medicine in Orthopaedic Surgery (MMed),
National University of Singapore - Fellow of The Royal College of Surgeons in Orthopaedics and Traumatology (FRCS), Edinburgh, United Kingdom
As a Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and former Head of the Hip and Knee Division in Ng Teng Fong Hospital, he has won awards for superior patient outcomes (value driven), service quality and enhanced recovery programmes. His patients include current and former national athletes and sporting professionals.
Why Choose
Dr Wang Lushun?
Trusted
Leadership on Orthopaedic Advisory Boards
Skilful
Double Fellowships at Centres of Excellence
Experienced
Senior Consultant with Over 18 Years of Experience
Can I Use Medisave For My Treatment?
Yes, you can use funds from your Medisave account to offset the cost of your treatment.
Reach out to us today to learn more about payment options.
Patient-Centred Orthopaedic Care
We are dedicated to your recovery and well-being. Every patient deserves the freedom that comes with active living. Whether you're an athlete sidelined by an injury or a weekend hobbyist desperate to return to your passion, our mission is to help you regain your mobility and independence.
Personalised Approach For Positive Outcomes
Our clinic prioritizes time dedicated to understanding each patient’s injuries and needs. Dr Wang strongly believes that personalised care & patient management will lead to better outcomes & positive experiences.
Minimally Invasive Techniques For Faster Recovery
Dr Wang’s extensive experience with minimally invasive procedures allows for less scarring, lower risk of complications and faster recovery compared to traditional surgical methods.
Aftercare Focused On Restoring Mobility & Well-Being
As an avid sportsperson, Dr Wang understands the time and patience required to regain mobility and return to active living. After your procedure is completed, Dr Wang will make sure your recovery is smooth and comfortable.
Insurance
We accept all patients, with or without insurance plans. Additionally, we are on the specialist panels of these Health Networks/Insurance Plans. Please contact us if you have any queries and we will be happy to assist you in checking with your insurance provider.
Our Clinic Locations
3 Mount Elizabeth, #13-14
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
Singapore 228510
820 Thomson Road, Mount Alvernia Hospital, #05-51, Medical Centre D, Singapore 574623
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to recover from an MCL injury?
Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the injury. Grade 1 (mild) injuries typically heal within a few weeks, Grade 2 (moderate) injuries may take 1 to 2 months, and Grade 3 (severe) tears requiring surgery can take several months, including rehabilitation.
Can you walk with an MCL injury?
Walking is usually possible with mild injuries, though discomfort may occur. However, moderate to severe injuries can make walking difficult due to instability and swelling, requiring additional support or rest.
What activities should I avoid with an MCL injury?
Avoid high-impact activities like running, jumping, and contact sports until the ligament has healed to prevent further damage. During recovery, low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling may be advised to maintain mobility without stressing the knee.
Can MCL injuries lead to long-term complications?
Without proper treatment, MCL injuries can result in chronic knee instability, persistent pain, and an increased risk of re-injury or additional ligament damage.