TRAUMA-MCL INJURY

SUMMARY

1. The MCL is extra-articular and courses from the medial femoral condyle to the proximal-medial tibia; provides restraint against valgus force.

2. Injury sustained with a valgus force with the foot planted, pain is localized to the medial knee, positive valgus stress test.

3. Grade 1 sprain: joint intact with valgus stress; grade 3 sprain (complete disruption): joint line opens up with valgus stress.

4. Management: rarely requires surgery; knee immobilizer for 1-2 weeks for stability and scar formation. Gentle ROM for 1-2 weeks and return to normal activities over 4 weeks.

Reference(s)

Wilkinson, I., Furmedge, D. and Sinharay, R. (2017). Oxford handbook of clinical medicine. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Get it on Amazon.
Feather, A., Randall, D. and Waterhouse, M. (2020). Kumar And Clark’s Clinical Medicine. 10th ed. S.L.: Elsevier Health Sciences. Get it on Amazon.
Hannaman, R. A., Bullock, L., Hatchell, C. A., & Yoffe, M. (2016). Internal medicine review core curriculum, 2017-2018. CO Springs, CO: MedStudy.
Therapeutic Guidelines. Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Limited. https://www.tg.org.au [Accessed 2021].