Knee LCL and MCL Strain

Question 1

Which ligament is more commonly injured in the knee: MCL or LCL?

Answer 1

The Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) is more commonly injured.

Question 2

Why is the MCL more prone to injury compared to the LCL?

Answer 2

The MCL is larger and has fewer supporting structures on the medial side of the knee compared to the lateral side.

Question 3

What type of trauma typically causes an MCL injury?

Answer 3

Low-level trauma with a side-to-side movement bias, such as:

Twisting awkwardly.
Poor landings after jumping.
Loss of balance during sit-to-stand.
Low-level sports injuries.

Question 4

What type of trauma could injure the LCL?

Answer 4

A blow to the medial side of the knee (although LCL injuries are far less common).

Question 5

What is a common pain pattern in ligament strain injuries?

Answer 5

Pain is localised around the ligament in question, often sharper with stress testing or palpation.

Question 6

What tests can help diagnose MCL and LCL injuries?

Answer 6

MCL: Valgus stress test.
LCL: Varus stress test.