Final answer:
MCL and LCL tears refer to injury of the knee ligaments, often coupled with meniscal damage due to trauma. The 'terrible triad' involves the MCL, medial meniscus, and ACL, which can be surgically repaired via arthroscopic surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) and the Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) are important structures in the knee that can be injured due to traumatic impact. An injury to the MCL is often accompanied by damage to the medial meniscus due to its anatomical connection to the ligament. A hit to the lateral side of an extended knee can cause stretching or tearing of the MCL, potentially leading to the 'terrible triad' injury which includes damage to the MCL, medial meniscus, and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Arthroscopic surgery is a procedure that can be used for the surgical treatment of these knee injuries. This minimally invasive surgery allows for visualization of the joint and reconstruction of the ligaments, offering reduced recovery times compared to traditional knee surgery.