LCL Injury

Injury Description 

The lateral collateral ligament attaches the femur to the tibia on the outer side of the knee.

 

It helps to restrain the knee from opening up through the outer part. Hence, it plays a role in maintaining knee stability.

 

A tear of the lateral collateral ligament usually results from a high force causing the outer part of the knee to open up. It is often a consequence of a direct blow to the inner part of the knee.

 

Symptoms

Lateral collateral ligament tears are graded:

Grade I: minimal fibres torn, pain but no laxity

Grade II: up to 50% of fibres torn, pain, slight localised swelling, laxity of about 5mm, knee is unstable when slightly bent but stable when it is fully straightened

Grade III: fibres are completely torn, hence there may not be any pain but increased swelling and instability is likely to be present. Grade III tears are usually associated with an ACL injury.

 

Prognosis

Patients recover well with Physiotherapy treatment and should expect to be able to return to normal sports/ activities.

 

Complete tears of the lateral collateral ligament usually occur in conjunction with injuries to other structures of the knee. In these cases, surgery is usually indicated for full recovery.

Treatment

1. Initial management, if an MCL tear is suspected, should involve ice, elevation and compression bandage. Diagnosis by a Physiotherapist or Doctor
2. Physiotherapy aims to restore pain- free range of movement with capacity to return to normal activity through soft tissue releases, strapping, knee motor control and strengthening exercises, stretches and proprioceptive exercises
3. Grade III tears may sometimes require surgical repair if it has not responded to conservative management.