Collateral Ligament Injuries

Collateral Ligament Injuries

Clinical Presentation

History:

• Acute injury during sports or trauma
• Acute pain
• Swelling

Mechanism of injury:

• Sudden side-way force
• MCL >> LCL (medial collateral ligament is more commonly injured due to anatomical factors)

Clinical Signs

• Swelling
• Tenderness (in collaterals / origin / insertion)
• Stressing ligament is painful
  • (In complete tears, stressing ligament may produce abnormal movement with little pain)

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Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injury

Mechanism:

• Valgus stress to the knee
• Most commonly occurs at medial femoral attachment

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Diagnostic Studies for MCL

X-ray

• May show avulsion fracture

• Stress Film: Shows ligament laxity

MRI

• Best for assessing soft tissue damage

Treatment of MCL Injury

Isolated injuries:

• Hinged Knee Brace for conservative management

Combined injuries:

• Require reconstruction of the respective ligaments (ACL, PCL, posteromedial corner)

Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Injury

Characteristics:

• Isolated LCL injuries are uncommon
• Treatment: Conservative management with brace if grade II

Complete tears with associated ACL/PCL require reconstruction

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