Sections View Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Annotate Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Supplementary Content +++ Key Features ++ Medial injuries occur either with a blow to the lateral aspect of the knee, as seen in a football tackle, or with a noncontact rotational stress Medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries are graded on a scale of 1–3 Grade 1 injury represents a stretching injury Grade 2 injury involves partial disruption of the ligament Grade 3 injury is a complete disruption of the ligament Return to sports Variable and depends on severity of the tear and other associated injuries Most athletes with isolated, low-grade MCL injuries can return to play in 3–5 weeks +++ Clinical Findings ++ The athlete may feel a pop or pain sensation along the medial or lateral aspect of the knee Examination reveals a mild effusion and tenderness medially along the course of the ligament +++ Diagnosis ++ A valgus stress test performed in 20–30 degrees of flexion reproduces pain and possibly instability in medial collateral ligament injuries A varus stress test performed in 20–30 degrees of flexion reproduces pain and possible instability in lateral collateral ligament injuries Radiographs are useful, especially in the skeletally immature athlete, to look for distal femoral or proximal tibial bone injury MRI scans are used if grade 3 injury or concomitant intra-articular derangement is suspected +++ Treatment ++ Conservative Ice and elevation initially A protective brace is worn and full knee motion in the brace can be permitted within a few days Weight bearing is allowed and a strengthening program can be started The athlete should use the brace until pain and range of motion have improved Bracing is temporary until the ligament heals completely and the athlete has no subjective feelings of instability The use of a functional brace is often required when a player returns to competition Your Access profile is currently affiliated with [InstitutionA] and is in the process of switching affiliations to [InstitutionB]. Please select how you would like to proceed. Keep the current affiliation with [InstitutionA] and continue with the Access profile sign in process Switch affiliation to [InstitutionB] and continue with the Access profile sign in process Get Free Access Through Your Institution Learn how to see if your library subscribes to McGraw Hill Medical products. Subscribe: Institutional or Individual Sign In Error: Incorrect UserName or Password Username Error: Please enter User Name Password Error: Please enter Password Sign in Forgot Password? Forgot Username? Download the Access App: iOS | Android Sign in via OpenAthens Sign in via Shibboleth You already have access! Please proceed to your institution's subscription. Create a free profile for additional features.