Torn meniscus or torn/damaged collateral ligament?

Question

Four weeks ago, I was injured in a motor scooter accident. After a visit to the hospital ER, I went to an orthopedic surgeon. Without performing an MRI (I am holding off since I currently have no insurance), he looked at the x-ray and suggested that I had a torn meniscus (and sprained ankle). I am in a soft knee brace. However, the pain and "buckleing" seems to occur on the outside of my knee. Can this indicate an injury to the collateral ligament instead of the meniscus? I am performing physical therapy exercises which seem to help.

Answer 1

Location of pain is not a reliable indicator of where the actual problem lies.  It's very common to have pain on the "outside" of the knee with both meniscal and LCL injuries.  Buckling, however, IS more common with meniscal injuries.  In the end, a "pathoanatomic" diagnosis does not necessarily need to be made if it is getting better with physical therapy.  Keep up the good work.