The patient injured his knee playing football. A plain film was unremarkable so he underwent an MRI examination.
The patient injured himself during a tackle playing football. At the time of the injury he heard a 'pop' from his knee. A plain radiograph demonstrated a joint effusion but no lipohaemarthrosis or fracture. He was treated conservatively but did not improve so was referred for an MRI of the knee. The MRI demonstrated soft tissue damage to the medial collateral ligament, anterior cruciate ligament and lateral meniscus. This constitutes the O'Donoghue's triad. Bone bruising to the lateral femoral condyle and tibial plateau is also shown.
O'Donoghue in 1950 described a triad of a tear in the anterior cruciate ligament and disruption of the medial collateral ligament associated with a medial meniscal tear. More recent studies using arthroscopic examination of patients have shown that the triad as described by O'Donoghue is an unusual clinical entity among knee injuries. It is far more common for a lateral meniscal tear to be associated with combined medial collateral and anterior cruciate ligament injuries. If a medial meniscal tear is present then there is an associated lateral meniscal tear. The term O'Donoghue's triad is therefore used by orthopaedic radiologists to denote a meniscal tear associated with an anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligament injury.
O'Donoghue's triad
From the provided anteroposterior and lateral X-ray images of the knee joint, there is no obvious fracture line or bony abnormality. The articular surfaces appear generally smooth, and the joint space is largely symmetrical. No distinct abnormal calcification is seen in the soft tissue. Overall, the plain films make it difficult to evaluate the soft tissues and menisci.
MRI sequences show:
Combining the patient’s history of trauma (knee twisting while playing football), imaging findings, and literature, the most likely diagnosis is: “Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear, Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) tear (or injury), combined with a meniscal tear”, i.e., an O’Donoghue’s Triad-type injury. Notably, MRI also suggests possible involvement of the lateral meniscus, and an arthroscopic examination is recommended for further clarification.
Treatment Plan:
Rehabilitation and Exercise Prescription (FITT-VP Principle):
During the rehabilitation process, carefully monitor for any swelling, pain, or changes in joint stability. If unusual pain or a decline in joint function occurs, seek medical advice promptly or adjust the training regimen.
This report is a reference based on the existing imaging and clinical information and cannot replace an in-person consultation or the advice of a specialized physician. Specific treatment and rehabilitation plans must be made under the guidance of a specialist after a thorough evaluation. Patients are advised to follow medical advice and attend regular follow-ups.
O'Donoghue's triad