Information About MCL Tear and LCL Tear Injuries
Brockton Personal Injury Attorneys
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) and the lateral crucial ligament (LCL) are two of the four ligaments that stabilize the knee joint. Both are located on the sides of the knee. The MCL is located on the inside of the knee while the LCL is located on the outside of the knee. The MCL and LCL, also known as the collateral ligaments, control the sideways movement and stability of the knee.
The knee relies heavily on these ligaments for stability and as a result both the MCL and LCL are easily injured. The MCL is injured more often than the LCL. MCL tears usually accompany an injury to the meniscus. Other structures in the knee joint usually sustain an injury when the LCL is injured. An LCL tear is usually accompanied by an ACL tear or a PCL tear.
What Causes an MCL Tear and LCL Tear
The MCL and LCL are injured in several ways. However, most tears require great force:
- A direct blow that forces the knee sideways.
- MCL tears are usually the result of a blow to the outside of the knee. The ligament tears when the knee is force inward in the direction of the other knee.
- LCL tears are usually the result of a blow to the inside of the knee.
Symptoms
- Pain located on the inside and or outside of the knee. Pain on the inside of the knee for MCL injuries and pain on the outside of the knee for LCL injuries.
- Swelling might appear in some case but might not appear in other cases.
- Knee Instability or a feeling that your knee has giving way.
- Lack of side to side range of motion or flexibility.
Diagnosis
The doctor will perform a physical examination on the knee to determine if there is a strain, tear or rupture. The doctor will perform a test called the varus knee test by applying slight pressure to the inner knee joint. The patient will be sent for an MRI which will pinpoint the extent of the injury and rule out injuries to other structures in the knee. X-Rays could also be ordered to determine if the femur or tibia sustained a fracture.
Our Accident Victims Claims Attorneys Can Help
If you suffered a serious knee injury in an accident through no fault of your own you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and lost wages. No matter where you are located, we are just a phone call away to help you understand your rights and the value of your claim.
Call our Boston accident lawyers to schedule a free no-obligation case review and consultation at (508) 588-0422 and you will have taken your first step towards getting fair compensation for your injuries.
Our knowledgeable and experienced Boston Personal Injury Attorneys assist auto / car accident victims throughout all of Southeast Massachusetts, including but not limited to Brockton, Taunton, Bridgewater, Weymouth, Hingham, Quincy, Plymouth, Marshfield, Attleboro, Braintree, Rockland, Hanover, Duxbury, Whitman, Middleborough, Raynham, Mansfield, Avon, Canton, Stoughton and all smaller cities and rural areas in Southern Massachusetts. We also serve the counties of Plymouth, Norfolk, Bristol, Massachusetts.
