Iatrogenic Medial Collateral Ligament Injury By Valgus Stress During Arthroscopic Surgery Of the Knee

Purpose: To evaluate the radiographic and clinical follow-up results of iatrogenic medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries caused by valgus stress during arthroscopic surgery of the knee.

Methods: This study retrospectively evaluated 15 knees in 15 patients (8 female and 7 male patients), with a mean age of 58 years (range, 45-66 years), with iatrogenic MCL injuries caused by valgus stress during arthroscopic surgery of the knee. All patients were treated conservatively without an immobilizer or brace. The mean follow-up period was 24 months (range, 18-51 months). Evaluations included magnetic resonance imaging immediately postoperatively, as well as physical examinations and valgus stress radiographs (at 0° and 30° of knee flexion) 6 weeks after surgery and at final follow-up.

Results: Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging in all patients showed increased signal intensity, swelling, and partial loss of continuity at the meniscofemoral portion of the MCL. Physical examination showed mild tenderness in only 1 patient after 6 weeks and none at final follow-up. Valgus stress tests and valgus stress radiographs showed no significant differences between the injured and uninjured knees at 6 weeks postoperatively and at final follow-up (P > .05).

Conclusions: Iatrogenic MCL injuries during arthroscopic knee surgery could be treated successfully without a splint or brace.

Level Of Evidence: Level IV, prognostic case series.