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Knee

Posteromedial Corner (PMC) Tears

What is the Posteromedial Corner?

The posteromedial corner of the knee includes two key structures:

  1. MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament): This helps keep the knee stable on the inner side of the knee.
  2. POL (Posterior Oblique Ligament): This works with the MCL to keep the knee stable and prevent it from bending inward (collapsing into knock knees).

These structures work together to keep the knee stable and prevent it from buckling or gapping open on the inside. The MCL is more active when the knee is slightly bent, while the POL works when the knee is almost straight.

  • Twisting Injuries: When the knee twists and buckles.
  • Contact Injuries: Like getting hit on the outside of the knee with significant force.
  • Common in Sports: Many injuries occur in sports like football, soccer, or mixed martial arts.

  • Pain: On the inner side of the knee, ranging from mild to severe.
  • Swelling
  • Stiffness: Difficulty bending or straightening the leg.
  • Instability: Feeling like the knee might give out or buckle.
  • Bruising: On the inner side of the knee.
  • Difficulty Walking: Painful or uncomfortable walking.
  • Popping or Clicking: Some people hear or feel a pop when the injury happens.

To diagnose a PMC injury, doctors use:

  1. Physical Exam: Checking knee movement and stability with different degrees of bending.
  2. Valgus Stress X-Ray: This special x-ray measures the knee’s stability. We compare this xray to the uninjured knee.
  3. MRI: Provides detailed images to see the extent of the injury and any additional damage to ligaments, meniscus, or cartilage.

If you have a posteromedial corner (PMC) tear, schedule a consultation with the board-certified knee surgeons at MM Orthopaedics. These injuries can significantly affect knee stability, and MM Orthopaedics offers expert care in Santa Monica to help restore function. Patients from Los Angeles and Manhattan Beach are welcome.

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