Mri comes back with grade ii to iii chondromalacia patella , knee joint effusion with ganglion, longitudinal partial tear.mcland lcl strain. ?

Conservative Rx: Depends upon your primary complaint and whether there was a mechanism of injury. Chondromalacia(i.e.Cartilage wear=arthritis) is common and can cause swelling and pain. Collateral ligament strains/partial tears (mcl+lcl) should be managed well conservatively. Recommend seeing a pt for motion, strengthening, edema control. Am a fan of a stationary bike as well (nonimpact knee motion+strengthening).

Focus on symptoms: Mri needs to be correlated with symptoms. An mcl or lcl sprain is usually associated with a knee injury. Doubt ganglion is causing symptoms. Chondromalacia patella is common. Leads to pain in front of knee, under knee cap or behind knee. Pain with stairs, arising from a chair, running, prolonged walking. Need to see orthopedist to correlate MRI findings with actual symptoms.