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The injured ACL can be categorized as a completely torn ACL or a completely torn ACL. A popping sound can often be heard when the injury has occurred. Age is also a risk factor that can contribute to ACL injuries. A torn ACL generally occurs when you are playing sports, trauma (caused from falling), changing directions quickly and stopping suddenly. The ACL is responsible for stabilizing the knee while keeping the knee from turning too much and preventing the tibia from overextending itself. The locations of ACL and MCL and where it can be torn are indicated in the following diagram: The exact location of MCL can be described as within the inner part of the knee from the bottom of the thighbone to a point on the top of shinbone, which is about 4-6 inches from the knee. As the name suggested, MCL (medial collateral ligament) is located on the medial side of the knee. The ACL is located in the middle of the knee to prevent shin bone from sliding out in front of the thighbone whereas the MCL is located on the inside of the knee, which is external to the knee joint. What are the Differences between ACL and MCL Tears? ACL vs. A grade 3 MCL tear can be generally occurred along with a torn ACL. ACL and MCL tears can also be combined with multi-ligament injuries of the knee. Torn ACL patients are more likely to rely on crutches or knee brace for walking after the injury. Generally speaking, the MCL has a much higher healing potential than the ACL. The main differences between an ACL and an MCL tear are a significant amount of swelling often occurs when you injured the ACL as well as the amount of instability when walking after the ACL injury.
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For sports like skiing, basketball and soccer with many stop and go motions, jumping can be the common cause for ACL and MCL injuries. The MCL is a ligament that provides stability to the inner knee whereas the ACL controls forward movement and rotation of the shin bone from the center of the knee.ĪCL and MCL tears are the most common knee injuries during sports or activities that involve twisting, bending and quick change of direction.
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The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is located in the middle of your knee which can prevent the femur from sliding backward on the tibia, while MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) is a band of tissue on the inside of your knee to connect your thigh bone and the bone of your lower leg which prevents your knee from bending inward. ACL and MCL are two out of four major knee ligaments that stabilize the knee. People often ask about the difference between an ACL tear and an MCL tear.