Complications
Complication table forMedial collateral ligament injury
| Complication | Timeframe | Likelihood |
- Pellegrini-Stieda's lesion
-
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.
| long term | low |
|
| long term | low |
- knee joint stiffness
-
The likelihood of developing stiffness in the knee joint after acute injury is much higher if no physiotherapy is employed. ROM exercises dramatically reduce the incidence.
| variable | medium |
- chronic MCL insufficiency
-
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/ACL combined injuries. Chronic MCL injuries usually need operative repair. Referral to an orthopaedic specialist is recommended.
| variable | low |
Last updated: Apr 26, 2013