Alternative Names & Classifications:
Medial Collateral Ligament Sprain (CLINICAL), Sprained Knee (CLINICAL)
Description
An MCL sprain occurs when the band of tissue securing the inner aspect of the knee joint is overstretched or torn. It is overwhelmingly caused by a direct blow to the outside of the knee, which forces the joint to buckle inward, a common mechanism in football and hockey tackles. The injury compromises the side-to-side stability of the knee.