Combined medial and lateral bucket handle meniscal tears

Case contributed by Chris O'Donnell
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Football injury. Knee locked but still feels unstable.

Patient Data

Age: 18
Gender: Male

Gross valgus force injury causing ACL rupture, partial MCL rupture, extensive bone bruising and bucket handle tears of the medial and lateral menisci displaced towards the midline adjacent to the PCL producing a double (or in this case triple) PCL sign.

Case Discussion

Bucket handle tears are uncommon but rarely involve both mensici. They should be treated urgently by surgical debridment or possible rettachment in a younger patient as they can cause locking and longer term knee stiffness if left untreated.

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