Recovery of knee function in the isolated MCL and combined ACL–MCL deficient knee

BackgroundThe MCL is the prime medial stabiliser of the knee and is a commonly injured structure which leads to valgus instability of the knee.ObjectivesWe aim to analyse differences in recovery of knee motion and muscle function over one year follow up in the isolated MCL and combined ACL–MCL injured knee. We hypothesized that combined ACL–MCL injuries lead to greater knee motion and muscle function deficits at 1 year.MethodsIsolated MCL (Group I) or combined ACL–MCL injuries (Group II) from 2006–2010 were included. Those with a previous MCL injury, injury to contralateral limb or presenting 2 weeks post-injury were excluded. At certain outpatient follow up intervals, we recorded pre-determined parameters of knee function. Follow-up was at weeks 2, 6, 12, 26, 52.ResultsThe cohort included 82 patients (54 males:28 females) with a mean age of 32 (range 16–56). Group II showed a deficit in Total Range of Movement (TROM) and flexion at 6 month follow up (p < 0.05). Group II showed an extension deficit at week 2 (p < 0.05). The Peak Torque Deficit (PTD) and Average Power Deficit (APD) improved for quadriceps and hamstrings across all follow up intervals (p > 0.05).ConclusionThere is a TROM and flexion deficit at 6 months in group II, resolving by 1 year. There was no difference in PTD or APD in either group.