MCL Injury — NPTE Cheat Sheet

• What it is:
• Sprain/tear of the MCL from valgus force or lateral blow.
• Classic signs:
• Medial knee pain
• Pain with valgus stress
• Local tenderness
• Mild swelling
• Lateral blow mechanism
• Rule-in test:
• Valgus Stress Test at 30°
• Rule-out clues:
• Pop + immediate swelling → ACL
• Locking → Meniscus
• Posterior sag → PCL
• NPTE trap:
• Valgus force + medial pain = MCL. Full stop.
• Best treatment:
• ROM, quad/hip strength, bracing, progressive load.

Mock question included. Listen in and lock it down.