Unhappy triad of the knee- remember it by: MAM!
Unhappy triad or blown knee is characterized by simultaneous injury to the medial/tibial collateral ligament, medial meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament. This is caused by a blow to the lateral side of the extended knee or excessive lateral twisting of the flexed knee. Medial meniscus is also torn as the TCL is firmly attached to the cartilage. Anterior cruciate ligament is taut during flexion, which may also tear creating the unhappy triad. This type of injury most commonly occurs in athletes who twist their knees while running in sports like football, volleyball, basketball etc. An easy way to remember the contents of the triad is: MAM M- Medial/tibial collateral ligament A- Anterior cruciate ligament M- medial meniscus
