The nonoperative treatment of Grade I and 11 medial collateral ligament injuries to the knee

Abstract

A prospective investigation covering 8 years (1971 to 1978) at a major university was undertaken involving the nonoperative management of medial collateral ligament injuries to the knee. Rigid diagnostic criteria were used for each injury prior to inclusion in a program of functional rehabilitation without cast immobilization. Eighty-nine fresh ligamentous injuries were reviewed. Thirty-eight knees required surgery. The remaining 51 knees were classified as isolated Grade I or Grade II injuries. Forty-two (80%) successfully completed the program of rehabilitation. Nine (20%) were considered failures. These were attributed to inadequate diagnoses during the early period of the study. Average time required for the athletes to return to full competition was 21 days (range of 9 to 32 days.)

Surgical Treatment of Acute Medial Collateral Ligament and Posteromedial Corner Injuries of the Knee

“…Numerous authors have documented excellent results of nonoperative treatment for grades I and II medial instabilities. [13][14][15][16] Rigid protocols are necessary to ensure that no associated ligamentous or capsular tears exist that may prohibit nonoperative treatment.…”

Bone Contusion Patterns of the Knee at MR Imaging: Footprint of the Mechanism of Injury

“…With clip injury, bone marrow edema is usually most prominent in the lateral femoral condyle secondary to the direct blow, whereas a second smaller area of edema may be present in the medial femoral condyle secondary to avulsive stress to the MCL (Fig 13). Associated soft-tissue injuries can include varying degrees of sprain or disruption of the MCL (22)(23)(24). Injury most commonly involves the proximal portion of the ligament near the femoral attachment site (Fig 14).…”

Return to Play After Medial Collateral Ligament Injury

“…[15][16][17][18] Initial management focuses on controlling pain and swelling with rest, ice, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Emphasis is placed on regaining quadriceps function and knee ROM.…”