Kevin Durant Tore His MCL. What Does That Mean Medically and for the Warriors?

Kevin Durant tore his MCL and sustained a bone bruise. What does that mean for him and the Golden State Warriors? The MCL or medial collateral ligament is a structure that runs from the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (leg bone) on the inside of the knee and provides side to side stability with sports and normal life activities. It is the most commonly injured ligament in the knee. Fortunately the injuries typically heal on their own with rest and protection of the damaged ligament. Their are 3 grades of tears. By report he sustained a Grade 2 sprain.As seen below Grade 1 sprains are mild stretches without ligament disruption. A Grade 2 is a partial tearing and a Grade 3 is a complete tear. With a Grade 2 tear it typically is 3-4 weeks for recovery for a basketball player. He will likely return in a brace to help protect the healing ligament and prevent additional injury. He also sustained a bone bruise which may add some time. Read my review of bone bruises HERE. With a little luck he could be back before the playoffs.