Imaging Studies and Other Tests

Imaging studies

Radiography of the knee should always be the initial imaging modality. Three views of the knee consisting of anteroposterior (weight-bearing if patient is able to tolerate), lateral, and Merchant views are obtained. Findings include varus malalignment when standing, dislocation, subluxation, fracture, quadriceps tendon disruption, patellar tendon disruption, and arthritis.

MRI is an important diagnostic tool for evaluating the LCL as well as the structures of the posterolateral corner. Cartilage, cruciates, and menisci can also be evaluated with an MRI study.

A study was conducted to describe normative values of the thicknesses of the LCL and popliteus tendon in patients who underwent knee surgery but had no evidence of knee instability. The study concluded that even in patients without varus and posterolateral rotary instability, signal alteration and thickening of the LCL and/or popliteus tendon can be frequently found with MRI. In particular, abnormal MRI findings of the LCL were likely to be more frequent in the patients with more varus knee alignment.^[3]

Other tests

In cases of suspected multiligamentous knee injury or knee dislocation, an arteriogram may be necessary to rule out suspected arterial injury.

Treatment & Management

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Beall DP, Googe JD, Moss JT, et al. Magnetic resonance imaging of the collateral ligaments and the anatomic quadrants of the knee. Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am. 2007 Feb. 15(1):53-72. [QxMD MEDLINE Link].
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Media Gallery

The medial and lateral collateral ligaments of the knee. Courtesy of Randale Sechrest, MD, CEO, Medical Multimedia Group

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Author

Sherwin SW Ho, MD Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, Section of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Chicago Division of the Biological Sciences, The Pritzker School of Medicine

Sherwin SW Ho, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Arthroscopy Association of North America, Herodicus Society, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine

Disclosure: Received consulting fee from Biomet, Inc. for speaking and teaching; Received grant/research funds from Smith and Nephew for fellowship funding; Received grant/research funds from DJ Ortho for course funding; Received grant/research funds from Athletico Physical Therapy for course, research funding; Received royalty from Biomet, Inc. for consulting.

Coauthor(s)

Benedict F Figuerres, MD Fellow in Orthopedic Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Chicago Division of the Biological Sciences, The Pritzker School of Medicine

Benedict F Figuerres, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy Association of North America

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Brad C Erikson, DO Consulting Staff, Shelley Family Medical Center

Brad C Erikson, DO is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Family Physicians

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Received salary from Medscape for employment. for: Medscape.

Henry T Goitz, MD Clinical Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine; Academic Chief of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, Regional Director of Ambulatory Clinic Site, Sports Medicine Institute, Detroit Medical Center

Henry T Goitz, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy Association of North America, Detroit Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, International Association for Dance Medicine and Science, International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, Michigan Orthopaedic Society, Michigan State Medical Society, Mid-America Orthopaedic Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Additional Contributors

Leslie Milne, MD Assistant Clinical Instructor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Harvard University School of Medicine

Leslie Milne, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Sports Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Sections Lateral Collateral Knee Ligament Injury
Overview
Presentation
DDx
Workup
Treatment
Medication
Follow-up
References

Lateral Collateral Knee Ligament Injury Workup

Imaging Studies and Other Tests

Imaging studies

Other tests

References

Tables

Contributor Information and Disclosures

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