title: Physical examination and imaging of the medial collateral ligament and posteromedial corner of the knee.
abstract: The medial side is one of the most commonly injured areas of the knee. The anatomy, diagnosis, and treatment of medial collateral ligament and posteromedial corner (PMC) injuries can be challenging. Understanding the mechanism of injury and performing a thorough physical examination and radiographic evaluation is essential. Frequently, there are concomitant meniscal and other ligament injuries associated with medial-side injuries. Correct identification of all injured structures is important, as missed diagnoses can lead to significant disability. Unrecognized PMC injuries have been implicated in anteromedial rotary instability and failed anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. Valgus stress testing is the cornerstone for the identification of medial-side knee injuries. Coronal sequences from magnetic resonance imaging are the most useful tool to view the medial collateral ligament and posteromedial structures. Stress x-rays and ultrasound may also be helpful. Thorough physical examination and imaging of injuries to the PMC should dictate the appropriate treatment for optimal results.
authors.affiliation: The Southern California Center for Sports Medicine, Long Beach, CA 90266, USA. pkurzweil@aol.com
authors.forename: Peter R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Kurzweil
authors.forename: Steven T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Kelley
mesh_terms: D000792:Angiography; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D017888:Medial Collateral Ligament, Knee / Q000293:injuries*; D010808:Physical Examination; D014463:Ultrasonography