Medial collateral ligament injury

A calcification that develops adjacent to the adductor tubercle. This complication results from a non-healing collateral ligament injury (usually >6 weeks old). Pellegrini-Stieda's disease will be visible on anteroposterior x-rays.

The incidence of knee osteoarthritis after isolated MCL injuries is quite low. There is a higher incidence after multi-ligament injuries and chronic MCL injury.[41]Lundberg M, Messner K. Ten-year prognosis of isolated and combined medial collateral ligament ruptures: a matched comparison in 40 patients using clinical and radiographic evaluations. Am J Sports Med. 1997 Jan-Feb;25(1):2-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9006684?tool=bestpractice.com [42]Lundberg M, Messner K. Long-term prognosis of isolated partial medial collateral ligament ruptures: a ten-year clinical and radiographic evaluation of a prospectively observed group of patients. Am J Sports Med. 1996 Mar-Apr;24(2):160-3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8775113?tool=bestpractice.com

Osteoarthritis

The likelihood of developing stiffness in the knee joint after acute injury is much higher if no physiotherapy is employed. Range of motion exercises dramatically reduce the incidence.

Persistent valgus instability can occur after acute MCL injury if the ligament has not adequately healed. The incidence of chronic MCL injury is higher after multi-ligament injuries and MCL/anterior cruciate ligament combined injuries. Chronic MCL injuries usually need operative repair. Referral to an orthopaedic specialist is recommended.