Case study ( 8279 views as of November 21, 2024 )
Cam, a 26-year-old male playing flag football on the weekend, presents for evaluation of his left knee. He complains of medial-sided pain and some swelling. He finds that it feels loose and is very stiff first thing in the morning. He denies any previous injury to the knee. He was hit on the outer side of his knee by an opposing player and his knee buckled inwards. He had immediate sharp burning pain along the inside part of his knee.
An examination by the physician reveals normal alignment and no sign of a hemarthrosis. Range of motion is full but there is pain along the medial side of the joint. There is tenderness along the medial femoral condyle. There is no tenderness along either jointline. Ligament testing reveals a stable ACL and PCL. The MCL is slightly lax with an endpoint and pain with testing. The LCL is normal on exam. The joint above and below are normal on examination.
Cam could benefit his condition by seeing a physiotherapist to help him with stability and an MRI to rule out a tear. A bracing specialist could help him with bracing options to keep his knee mobile and active and a sports medicine doctor for further evaluation. Lastly, Cam could ask for a referral to an orthopedic surgeon to consult about potential surgical options.
Author: Dr. Jordan Leith
Conversation based on: What Are The Symptoms of an MCL Tear? " Cam a 26-year-old male playing flag football "
What Are The Symptoms of an MCL Tear? " Cam a 26-year-old male playing flag football "