title: The non operative treatment of isolated complete tears of the medial collateral ligament of the knee. A prospective study.
abstract: In a prospective randomized study, 20 patients with isolated grade-III injuries to the medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the knee were treated by two different conservative methods: immediate mobilization (group A) or plaster immobilization (group B). All patients were examined while under anesthesia. Valgus-stress radiographs were performed to document a 2+ opening (6-10 mm) on the medial side. Associated damage to other structures (cruciate ligaments, menisci, cartilage) was ruled out arthroscopically. Average follow-up was 1.5 years. All patients rated good or excellent, although a minimal laxity of 3 mm on valgus-stress radiographs was present in 60% of the cases. No significant differences between the two treatment modalities were identified, except that group-A patients returned to work sooner. These results confirm that isolated grade-III MCL tears can be treated successfully by immediate mobilization.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Berne, Inselspital, Switzerland.
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Ballmer
authors.forename: R P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Jakob
mesh_terms: D001458:Bandages; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000209:etiology; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011897:Random Allocation; D012421:Rupture