[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Conditions](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/) › MCL Sprain or Tear

[Conditions](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/) · [Knee](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/)

# MCL Sprain or Tear

An MCL sprain is an injury to the medial collateral ligament on the inner knee, usually from a blow to the outer knee or a twisting fall.

Updated 2026-10-23

## Structures involved

Tap one to see what it is and open it in 3D.

- [MCL](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tibial-collateral-ligament/)
- [Deep MCL](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/deep-part-of-tibial-collateral-ligament/)

## Why it happens

- [Connective tissue proper: cells and fibres](https://durgical.com/en/histology/connective-tissue-proper-cells-and-fibres/)

## What it is

Injury to the medial collateral ligament from a blow to the outer side of the knee or a twisting fall.

## Classification

- Grade 1 (mild)
- Grade 2 (partial)
- Grade 3 (complete)

## Symptoms and signs

- Pain on the inner side of the knee
- Pain or laxity with valgus stress

## Diagnosis

**Clinical**
Valgus stress test

**Imaging**
MRI if severe or other injuries suspected

## Treatment

**Rehabilitation**
Most heal without surgery: hinged brace, rest, and physical therapy.

**Surgical**
Surgery is uncommon and mainly used for severe combined ligament injuries.

Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

Sources: [Medial Collateral Ligament Knee Injury](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431095/) (StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf), 2024).

[← All conditions](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/)

## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake

Representative model, for educational purposes only.

---
Source: https://durgical.com/en/conditions/mcl-sprain-or-tear/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/conditions/mcl-sprain-or-tear/