MCL

Written by Dr Sheila Strover on March 14, 2025

MCL is an abbreviation of 'medial collateral ligament'.

superficial MCLView of the side of the knee, showing the extent of the superficial part of the MCL.

Nature of the medial collateral ligament

The medial collateral ligament is a band of fibrous tissue supporting the medial (inner) aspect of the knee joint. It has both a superficial and a deep component, which are separated by a 'pocket' called a bursa. The superficial component has a connection to the posterior (rear) part of the outer rim of the medial meniscus, while the deep component is even more intimately associated with the central part.

Most MCL injuries will heal if the joint is properly protected during rehabilitation.