A 20-year-old hockey player presents with a painful, swollen, and bruised knee following a collision during a game. He heard a 'pop' at the time of the injury and now has difficulty bearing weight on that leg. What should be considered, and what is the next step?
The 'pop' sound, pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight suggest a ligament injury such as an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) or MCL (medial collateral ligament) tear. An MRI should be ordered for further evaluation. Depending on the severity of the injury, he may require immobilization, physiotherapy, or even surgery.