What is the difference between the ACL and the MCL?

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ACL is the anterior cruciate ligament that keeps your shinbone from sliding forward. MCL is the medial collateral ligament that prevents your femur from sliding from side to side. A knee injury can damage either of these ligaments. ACL and MCL tears are the most common injuries.

Is the ACL intra or extra capsular?

intracapsular
Like the posterior cruciate ligament, the ACL is intracapsular but extrasynovial having its own synovial membrane 5.

What is the difference between the meniscus and the MCL?

While MCL injuries are generally a result of a direct blow to the outer side of the knee that pushes the knee inwards, meniscus injuries are usually the product of direct pressure on the knee following a forced twist or rotation.

What’s worse to tear of the ACL or MCL?

The limitations vary depending on which ligament was injured. However, while both cause a lot of discomfort, technically speaking, an ACL tear could be considered as worse, since it may require surgery to fully heal. On the other hand, a minor MCL tear can heal on its own.

What is the difference between ACL and meniscus?

The meniscus functions as a shock absorber and helps distribute weight between the upper and lower legs. Meanwhile, the ACL is a band of tissue that runs through the middle of your knee and provides structural support for the knee during twisting and intense activities.

What are the different types of ACL surgery?

Three types of grafts can be used with ACL surgery:

Autograft. Your doctor uses a tendon from somewhere else in your body (like your other knee, hamstring, or thigh).
Allograft. This type of graft uses tissue from someone else (a deceased donor).
Synthetic graft. This is when artificial materials replace the tendon.

What are the intracapsular ligaments of the knee?

Intracapsular ligaments are found inside the joint capsule, with the cruciate ligaments being the most well known of this subgroup.

Patellar ligament. Patellar ligament.
Lateral (fibular) collateral ligament. Fibular collateral ligament of knee joint.
Oblique popliteal ligament.
Cruciate ligaments.
Menisci.

Is meniscus ACL or MCL?

The MCL connects on the inside (medial side) of your knee. It connects the femur and tibia together. Some fibres connect to your meniscus (more on meniscus later). This ligament is commonly injured in similar ways to the ACL, or when the leg is forced into ‘valgus’.