ACL vs. MCL

I will happily admit that when it comes to this topic, I have no idea what I am talking about. So I thought I would ask.
Why is it that an MCL tear is better than an ACL tear?

 

http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/g ... t-injuries

WebMD is a reliable source. I'm not a doctor and I don't play one on TV.

 

"But, I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night."

 

I do know that if you look at the diagram on Wikipedia they both look like they would flippin hurt.

 

Well, it's basically this.

The ACL and PCL (Anterior and Posterior) form an X in the interior of the knee. They are respossible for limiting all front to back "slippage" in the knee. If one is torn, most commonly the ACL, you lose most stability in the knee. Not so good, especially as the player is bigger, there's even more weight on it.

The MCL and LCL (Medial and Laterial) are on the outside of the knee, and basically only prevent bending of the knee in that direction. Most commonly hurt is the MCL, because most blows come from the outside of the knee, stressing the inside (MCL) ligament. They are usually quicker healers, and if you fit a brace where the support is over that area, it can usually compensate for the injury.

There is no real compensation for the ACL. Weakness in that ligament can cause slippage in almost any direction, and since it's hard to brace it from all 4 angles, you just need to wait till it's fully healed.

 

But I did stay @ Holiday Inn Express!