Anteromedial rotatory instability

Written by Dr Sheila Strover on March 14, 2025

Anteromedial rotatory instability is an abnormal and excessive movement of the inner side of the tibia in relation to the femur when weight is taken on the knee, with the joint opening up more than it should. Page updated July 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

What is the relevance of anteromedial rotatory instability?

The main relevance of identifying the particular nature of this instability is that surgical correction of any accompanying anterior cruciate ligament tear is likely to fail unless the rotatory instability is also addressed.

Back to top

What causes anteromedial rotatory instability?

Anteromedial rotatory instability is usually the result of an injury with damage to several structures:

It is one of the multiligament injuries of the knee.

"....While most [medial collateral ligament (MCL)] injuries can be treated nonoperatively, medial instability may remain, particularly with higher-grade injuries. Residual MCL laxity can impair knee function, cause chronic pain, and lead to higher rates of ACL reconstruction failure...."

Behrendt et al

Back to top

Medial collateral ligament, Medial meniscus, Anterior cruciate ligament, Posterior oblique ligament

Back to top