What is a common history finding in an MCL injury?

• A. Direct trauma to the lateral aspect of the knee creating a valgus force with a rotational component
• B. Direct trauma to the medial aspect of the knee with a varus force
• C. Twisting injury with the knee in extension
• D. Direct blow to the medial knee without valgus force

Answer: (A)

Valgus stress on the knee is the typical history for an MCL injury. This usually comes from a direct blow to the lateral (outer) aspect of the knee, which forces the knee to move inward (valgus) and often involves a rotational component. That outside-to-inward force specifically loads and can tear the medial collateral ligament.

Other scenarios don’t fit as well: a direct hit to the medial side with a varus force would stress lateral structures more than the MCL; a twisting injury with the knee in extension points more toward ACL or meniscal injuries; a direct blow to the medial knee without valgus stress is unlikely to cause an MCL tear.