Knee Ligament Sprain, Medial and Lateral Collateral Ligaments

The medial and lateral collateral ligaments (MCL and LCL, respectively) are two of the four main stabilizing ligaments in the knee. (The anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments [ACL and PCL, respectively] are discussed in a separate entry.) The MCL and LCL can be injured during many sporting activities, especially sports involving “cutting.” Spraining these ligaments is common, and injury to the MCL is the most common ligamentous injury to the knee. Spontaneous healing with nonoperative treatment usually occurs; however, operative treatment may be ...