Related Experiment Videos
Decrease in valgus stiffness after medial knee ligament injury. A 4-year clinical and mechanical follow-up study in
1Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden.
Acta Orthopaedica Scandinavica
|December 1, 1994
Summary
Partial medial collateral ligament rupture in the knee generally leads to good outcomes. Instrumented analysis at 4 years revealed stable knees with slight decreases in valgus stiffness and tibial rotation.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Knee Ligament Injuries
Background:
- Partial medial collateral ligament (MCL) ruptures often have good clinical outcomes.
- Objective assessment of persistent valgus laxity post-injury is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate objective knee laxity and function after isolated partial MCL rupture.
- To assess long-term outcomes using instrumented analysis.
Main Methods:
- 38 patients with isolated partial MCL rupture underwent diagnostic arthroscopy and early functional rehabilitation.
- Instrumented computerized passive motion analysis (Genucom) measured varus/valgus rotation and rotational stiffness at 4 years.
Main Results:
- Most patients regained normal knee function and strength within 3 months.
- At 4 years, manual examination showed minor residual valgus laxity in 2 knees; others were stable.
- Instrumented tests revealed equal varus/valgus rotations but decreased initial valgus stiffness and tibial rotation in injured knees.
Conclusions:
- Early functional rehabilitation is effective for partial MCL ruptures.
- Instrumented analysis provides objective data on knee stability, showing subtle but measurable changes post-injury.