Where is mcl and lcl

Once the initial diagnosis has been made, radiological examinations may need to take place for further assessment. An MRI 3 dimensional picture will be ordered to assist in determining the severity of the ligamentous injury. X-rays of the knee complex may be ordered to determine if any bony conditions exist such as fracture or loose bodies prior to the MRI.

Normal MCL. Treatment rarely requires surgery with an isolated MCL sprain and can be resolved through non-surgical techniques. However, multi-ligamentous injuries to the knee may require surgical management. Rehabilitation is recommended for both surgical and non-surgical management. Regardless of your treatment choice, your sports medicine physician will determine a personalized treatment program that fits your needs.

Your active involvement will improve your recovery time. Following the initial onset of signs and symptoms, the initial goal is to reduce swelling and pain, increase mobility and range of motion. At home and at physical therapy, the use of ice, modalities and specific range of motion and strengthening exercises will be performed several times throughout the day. Pain and anti-inflammatory medication may also be prescribed for additional benefit.

Crutches and bracing may be initialized following your assessment to aid in stability and prevent further damage to the knee complex. Once surgical management is completed, physical therapy will begin the following day, working towards restoring full range of motion, strength, and stability of the knee complex. Advancement to a work specific or sports specific program typically occurs at approximately months, with full return to sports activities between months.

Ligaments Ligaments of the knee are classified as cruciate and collateral ligaments. To diagnose an MCL sprain or a LCL sprain, your doctor will take a complete history of the injury and assess your symptoms.

Next, your doctor will perform a physical exam of the knee to check the stability of the ligaments. Health Alert:. Read the Latest. MCL and LCL sprain causes The two most common causes of MCL sprains are when: A player applies force to the outside side of your knee during contact sports, such as football and soccer.

You catch your foot in the ground and try to turn to the side, away from the planted leg. Ligaments are elastic bands of tissue that connect bones to each other to provide stability and strength to the knee joint.

Ligament injuries in the knee are fairly common, especially injury to the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL. There are four main ligaments in the knee that connect the femur or thighbone to the tibia or shin bone:. Injuries to these ligaments are common in many sports such as soccer, football, basketball, skiing and gymnastics where the knee may twist with the foot planted, when the knee gets hit, when it is extended too far, when jumping and landing on a flexed knee, stopping suddenly when running, or when suddenly shifting weight from one leg to another.

Many people who have tears to the ligaments, particularly ACL tears, opt to have surgical treatment to repair the tear.