Treatment of medial collateral ligament injuries

J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2009 Mar;17(3):152-61. doi: 10.5435/00124635-200903000-00004.

Abstract

The medial collateral ligament is the most frequently injured ligament of the knee. The anatomy and biomechanical role of this ligament and the associated posteromedial structures of the knee continue to be explored. Prophylactic knee bracing has shown promise in preventing injury to the medial collateral ligament, although perhaps at the cost of functional performance. Most isolated injuries are treated nonsurgically. Recent studies have investigated ligament-healing variables, including modalities such as ultrasound and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Concomitant damage to the anterior or posterior cruciate ligaments is a common indication to surgically address the high-grade medial collateral ligament injury. The optimal treatment of multiligamentous knee injuries continues to evolve, and controversy exists surrounding the role of medial collateral ligament repair/reconstruction, with data supporting both conservative and surgical management.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament / surgery
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Braces
  • Causality
  • Humans
  • Knee Injuries / diagnosis
  • Knee Injuries / epidemiology
  • Knee Injuries / therapy*
  • Medial Collateral Ligament, Knee / injuries*
  • Medial Collateral Ligament, Knee / surgery*
  • Orthopedic Procedures / methods
  • Physical Therapy Modalities
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods
  • Posterior Cruciate Ligament / injuries
  • Posterior Cruciate Ligament / surgery
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome