MCL Diagnosis Questions

Diagnosing MCL injuries involves key inquiries: mechanism of injury (valgus stress/trauma?), symptom location (medial knee pain/swelling?), instability (knee “giving way”?), and pain severity during movement. Clinicians assess tenderness over the MCL, perform a valgus stress test to gauge laxity, and check range of motion. Imaging (MRI/X-rays) confirms tear grade (I-III) and rules out fractures or multiligament involvement (e.g., ACL/meniscus). Questions address prior knee injuries, activity demands, and functional limitations. Differential diagnosis excludes patellar/medial meniscus issues. Early, accurate assessment guides tailored treatment and prevents long-term complications.