Elbow Common Presentations: MCL & LCL Sprain

Question 1

MCL sprain history

Answer 1

chronic valgus and ER stress

FOOSH

Question 2

pain site for a MCL sprain

Answer 2

common complaint of medial elbow at site of ligament origin and insertion

Question 3

what would you expect MMT with an MCL sprain

Answer 3

strong, could be painful bc stress and guarding

Question 4

what ROM would hurt more with MCL sprain?

Answer 4

flexion

both active and passive

Question 5

interventions for actue phase of MCL sprain

Answer 5

rest and activity modification for 2-4 weeks, ROM exercises, modalities and NSAIDs

Question 6

goals of actue phase for MCL sprain

Answer 6

• increase ROM
• promote healing
• limit muscle atrophy
• decrease pain and inflammation

Question 7

interventions for subacute phase for MCL sprain

Answer 7

• isometrics to strengthen

- goal is to gradually increase motion to 0-135 degrees, increase 10 degrees/week

Question 8

interventions for chronic phase for MCL sprain

Answer 8

criteria to enter chronic phase:

• full ROM
• no pain or tenderness
• no increase in laxity
• strength at least 4/5 for elbow flexors and extensors
• throwing program initiated around 3 months

Question 9

goals for chronic phase for MCL sprain

Answer 9

continue strengthening of elbow flexion and extension, forearm supination and pronation, wrist flexion and extension

Question 10

when would you have surgery for an MCL sprain?

Answer 10

only required in competitive throwing athletes or those in heavy manual labor, as valgus laxity typically causes few functional limitations

Question 11

LCL or RCL sprain

Answer 11

• not as common as MCL injury

- traumatic, FOOSH

Question 12

where is pain felt for LCL sprain

Answer 12

lateral elbow

Question 13

MMT/ROM for LCL sprain

Answer 13

MMT: typically strong as not muscle issue, but may be limited due to guarding
ROM: pain at end ranges in both directions