Medial knee injuries

Medial Knee Injuries: Anatomy, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Illustration of the medial knee ligaments and their respective placements.

Medial knee injuries, occurring on the inside of the knee, represent the most frequent type of knee injury. The medial side of the knee houses an intricate ligament complex that is instrumental in stabilizing this region. Injuries predominantly target these ligaments.

Anatomy of the Medial Ligament Complex

The medial ligament complex of the knee encompasses several ligaments:

• Superficial Medial Collateral Ligament (sMCL): Often simply referred to as the medial collateral ligament (MCL).
• Deep Medial Collateral Ligament (dMCL): Also known as the mid-third capsular ligament.
• Posterior Oblique Ligament (POL): Sometimes referred to as the oblique fibers of the sMCL.

This complex is pivotal for the stabilization of the medial knee, safeguarding against excessive lateral forces that can cause the knee to buckle inwards.

Detailed view of knee anatomy, highlighting the medial ligaments.

Injury Mechanisms and Presentation

Medial knee injuries often arise due to direct trauma, especially lateral impacts to the knee, or through twisting motions where the foot is planted but the knee rotates. The manifestations of these injuries can vary:

• Pain and Tenderness: Located on the inner side of the knee.
• Swelling: Can be immediate or might manifest hours after the injury.
• Instability: A feeling that the knee might give way under pressure.
• Reduced Range of Motion

Diagnostic Process

Accurate diagnosis begins with:

• Detailed History: Understanding the mechanism of injury can provide clues. Did the person hear a "pop"? Was there immediate swelling?
• Physical Examination: Testing the knee's range of motion, strength, and stability.
• Imaging: MRI scans can offer detailed visuals of soft tissues like ligaments.

Treatment Options

Medial knee injuries can vary in severity from mild sprains to complete ligament tears. Treatment, therefore, ranges accordingly:

• Conservative Treatment: For less severe injuries, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (known as the RICE protocol) are recommended. Physical therapy might also aid in recovery.
• Bracing: A knee brace can provide support during the healing process.
• Surgical Intervention: Severe tears, especially those that don't respond to conservative treatments, might necessitate surgical repair.

Conclusion

A profound comprehension of the medial knee structures is crucial for medical professionals. Recognizing the intricacies of its anatomy and function facilitates accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of injuries in this region.

See Also

• Knee Anatomy and Physiology
• Ligament Injuries and Treatment
• Orthopedic Surgical Procedures

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