Armando Vidal, MD

12/26/2025

How is a posterolateral corner (PLC) injury diagnosed?

Dr. Vidal begins with a full medical history to understand how the injury happened, then performs specialized physical exams, such as:
🔸 Dial Test – checks knee rotation
🔸 Posterolateral Drawer Test – assesses tibia movement
🔸 Varus Stress Test – measures lateral compartment gapping
🔸 Reverse Pivot Shift – compares rotational movement with the healthy knee

Imaging is important but can be tricky. MRI helps in acute injuries, but chronic cases often require radiographic stress tests, where the knee is stressed and X-rayed to objectively measure PLC integrity.

What is the posterolateral corner of the knee? Not too long ago, the posterolateral corner of the knee, also called PLC, was referred to as the dark side of the knee. This was because of the limited understanding of the biomechanics, structures and treatment options for this area of the knee. In rec...

12/25/2025

As we celebrate the holidays, Dr. Vidal and The Steadman Clinic reflect on the privilege of caring for each of you. You are more than patients...you are part of our extended family. Wishing you a Christmas full of warmth, joy, and hope for a healthy New Year.

12/24/2025

Chondromalacia, also called patellofemoral chondromalacia or runner's knee, occurs when the underside of the kneecap rubs unevenly against the thighbone. This can happen due to:
· Poor knee alignment (sometimes congenital)
· Muscle imbalances around the knee
· Trauma like fractures or dislocations
· Overuse from repetitive sports movements
· Arthritis (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid)
· Meniscus injuries
· Knee infections or repeated steroid injections

Proper evaluation and treatment can help restore knee function and reduce pain.

What is Patella Chondromalacia? Chondromalacia, also called “runner’s knee” is a condition where the articular cartilage underneath the knee cap (patella) softens and breaks down. The cartilage loses its ability to protect the ends of the bones as the joint moves, allowing the bones to rub aga...

12/12/2025

Your training plan could be missing something simple: protecting your brain from fatigue. New research shows mental exhaustion can slow you down just as much as physical fatigue.

Brain fatigue really does slow you down, new research suggests

12/11/2025

Why does my child need a specialist? Kids & teens have open growth plates until 20–21, making injuries different from adults. Dr. Vidal provides expert care to protect healthy orthopedic development.

What is a Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist? Children and teens have always been active in sporting activities. However, now more than ever, they are entering more and more competitive types of sports at younger ages. If an adolescent is injured or has an illness that affects their sports perform...

12/10/2025

People often focus on whether an ACL is “20% torn” or “50% torn,” but that doesn’t determine treatment. The key is stability. A partially torn ACL that’s functionally incompetent is treated just like a complete tear. Exams and imaging guide the decision, not the percentage.

What is an ACL? Those 3 dreaded letters….ACL. Every athlete fears hearing them but regrettably ACL injury is part of sporting activities. Thankfully techniques to repair and reconstruct the ACL have advanced considerably in the past few years and as such, our ability to return an athlete to sport ...

12/08/2025

Some knees are born a little different! A discoid meniscus is usually present from birth and often goes unnoticed until a tear occurs, sometimes during sports. MRI helps confirm the diagnosis, and preserving the meniscus is key for a healthy, active knee. Dr. Vidal can help you understand your MRI and treatment options.

What is Discoid Meniscus? The knee has two C-shaped fibrous cartilages, called menisci that conform to the surface of the bones and act as shock absorbers within the knee joint. The lateral meniscus is located on the outside of the knee, while the medial meniscus is located on the inside of the knee...

12/04/2025

Am I a Candidate for a Knee Osteotomy?

Some patients are a better fit for this joint-preserving procedure. Ideal candidates typically:
• Can fully straighten the knee and bend it to at least 120°
• Are thin, active, and under age 60
• Have pain on only one side of the knee
• Feel pain with most activity or prolonged standing
People with rheumatoid arthritis are usually not good candidates for this procedure.

If you meet these criteria, a knee osteotomy may help reduce pain and delay knee replacement.

What causes Cartilage Injuries and Knee Osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is the end result of cartilage damage to a joint and occurs from a complex cascade of biologic and biomechanical factors. Cartilage injuries and arthritis of the knee affect millions of individuals and can make even simple, every...

12/03/2025

Yunus Musah is ready to shine! The 22-year-old USMNT midfielder is aiming to make an impact and secure his spot at the World Cup. Who wouldn’t want to play on the world’s biggest stage? ⚽🔥

The 22-year-old midfielder is looking to make an impact and secure his place at the tournament.

12/02/2025

How long does an OCD lesion take to heal?

Treatment for osteochondritis dissecans often lasts 1–4 months, followed by rehab. Full recovery can range from 3 months to a year depending on severity, age, and other factors. Close follow-up with a specialist like Dr. Vidal is key.

What is osteochondritis dissecans? Osteochondritis Dissecans, or OCD, is a condition that is unique to the young (immature athlete) and occurs when a piece of bone and more importantly, its attached cartilage, breaks down and becomes loose. The loose piece can break away completely from the end of t...

12/01/2025

Meniscus root tears aren’t just injuries athletes face. Patients in their 50s actually make up the largest group. These tears can occur without major trauma, sometimes during everyday activities like squatting, lifting, or even tying your shoes. Many patients notice a “pop” in the knee, followed by pain that starts mild but can escalate quickly.

If left untreated, meniscus root tears can lead to serious complications such as osteoarthritis, osteonecrosis, insufficiency fractures, and persistent swelling. These injuries are often misdiagnosed or missed on MRI, which is why early recognition is so important.

The meniscus has a root? Much like a tree, the meniscus has roots – two of them to be exact. These roots are critical to the health and function of the meniscus and are responsible for transmitting load across the surface of the tibia. Each meniscus has a posterior (back) and anterior (front) root...

11/30/2025

Special teams are no longer the forgotten phase of football. From knuckleball kickoffs to blocked field goals and 70-yard boots, they’ve become a game-changer in the NFL.

From knuckleball kickoffs to blocked field goals to 70-yard boots, the third phase of the game is no longer a forgotten frontier.