The medial collateral ligament, a wide, hard band of fibrous tissue that is located on the internal side of the knee, stretching between the bone extremities of the knee joint, more precisely from the femur to a point on the tibia (located about 6-8 cm from the knee) can suffer sprains or ruptures. Mainly activities that involve twisting, bending or rapid changes of direction, as is the case with football or skiing, can predispose the medial collateral ligament to injury.

Medial collateral ligament ruptures, also called 3rd degree ruptures, can be quite severe, affecting knee stability. These injuries may require surgery and the recovery period may last for several weeks. Often, medial collateral ligament injuries can also be associated with other knee lesions/ injuries, such as medial meniscus rupture.

The knee is one of the largest and most complex joints of the body, having a complex functionality. The knee joint must be mobile and supple to allow flexion and extension of the lower limb and also stable to support the entire weight of the body.
The bone components that form the knee joint are:

➢ the distal extremity of the femur – represented by the two femoral condyles
➢ the kneecap or the patella, which previously unites the femoral condyles
➢ the proximal extremity of the tibia.

On the edge of the bone surfaces there is articular cartilage, a firm, smooth layer of tissue lining all the joints of the body.

Two cartilage discs (in the shape of the letter C) form the meniscuses, laterally and medially, which allows the knee to move, but also have a role in the absorption of shocks.

LIGAMENTS join with all the bones of the knee giving stability to the knee, collateral ligaments, laterally and medially, preventing the femur from sliding from one side to another.

Thus, the medial collateral ligament connects the tibia to the femur while the lateral collateral ligament connects the fibula (peroneum) to the femur. Collateral ligaments also control the lateral movement of the knee, as well as its accommodation during unusual movements.

Wearing an orthosis
To prevent the knee from slipping to the side it is advisable to wear an orthosis in the first 3 days after the injury.

Physical therapy is practically the basis for the recovery for the medial collateral ligament injuries. Recovery, through physical therapy, can begin 72 hours after the injury, if the pain and inflammation in the knee have been reduced and allow movement in the joint.
The exercises, mostly of toning, aim at:

➢ restoring muscle strength
➢ restoring normal movements in the knee joint
➢ accelerating restoration of the injured tissues
➢ resumption of sports activities

The complete recovery can take up to 8 weeks.

It’s necessary in case of severe damage to the ligament and/or other components in the knee joint. After surgery, it is also recommended to start the recovery program through physical therapy.

✓ PREVENT knee joint injuries through exercise programs that strengthen the stabilizing muscles of the knee

✓ Follow the rules of sports activities, regardless of the degree of sports training you have

✓ Do not skip the warm-up before any sports activity

✓ In the case of sports on the slope (skiing or snowboarding) carefully adjust the equipment to prevent twisting of the foot

✓ Avoid direct blows to the knee.