Clinical Presentation & Protocol
Patient Usually Complains Of
Presents acutely following an athletic injury. Reports twisting, pivoting, or deceleration event. Heard/felt a 'pop' followed by rapid onset of swelling. Chief complaint is instability ('giving way') and catching.
Clinical Examination Findings
Healthy, athletic individual in acute discomfort.
Treatment Protocol
1. Strict RICE protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). 2. Hinged knee brace locked in extension. 3. Prescribed NSAIDs and short-acting opioids. 4. Ordered urgent MRI Knee (non-contrast). 5. PT referral for 'pre-hab' (ROM and quad activation).