Combined knee injuries involving anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligament tears

Description: We identified 60 consecutive patients with combined anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligament (ACL-MCL) disruptions that were incurred during athletic endeavors. Each underwent acute reconstruction of the ACL. The arthroscopic data obtained at the time of reconstructive surgery was reviewed.
We conclude that the classic O'Donoghue triad is, in fact, an unusual clinical entity among athletes with knee injuries; it might be more accurately described as a triad consisting of ACL, MCL, and lateral meniscus tears. This injury combination appears to be more common when an incomplete, or second-degree, tear of the medial collateral has occurred.
Am J Sports Med. 1991 Sep-Oct;19(5):474-7. Abstract only. The O'Donoghue triad revisited. Combined knee injuries involving anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligament tears. Shelbourne KD, Nitz PA.