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Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Injury
The lateral collateral ligament is a thin band of tissue
running along the outside of the knee. It connects the
thighbone (femur) to the fibula, which is the small bone of
the lower leg that turns down the side of the knee and
connects to the ankle. Like the medial collateral ligament,
the lateral collateral ligament's main function is to keep
the knee stable as it moves through its full arc of motion.
What are the causes and risks of the injury?
A force applied to the inside of the knee causes this type
of injury. This most often happens while playing sports. An
LCL injury can also be caused by overuse of the joint, and
by falls in an elderly individual.
Symptoms of an LCL injury:
discomfort on the outside of the knee when tension is
applied to the strained ligament
pain and swelling on the outside of the knee tenderness when
the area over the affected ligament is touched weakness of
the knee
Diagnosis & Tests - How is the injury recognized?
A healthcare provider will often diagnose the problem based
on a physical exam and the person’s description of how the
injury occurred. Joint X-rays of the knee are usually
ordered. A special X-ray called an MRI is used in some cases
to reveal the amount of damage and to look for other
injuries.
Injuries can be surgically treated by repair or
reconstruction. If reconstruction is performed, a
semitendinosus tendon autograft or allograft is usually
utilized. If a cruciate ligament has been torn concomitantly
with an LCL and/or posterolateral rupture, the cruciate is
reconstructed first. Multiple surgeries may need to be
performed to achieve optimal anatomical results.
Following surgery, protection of the graft is critical. ROM
and weight bearing will initially be restricted to avoid
overload on the new graft. These patients often have
difficulty with contractures at later stages of rehab due to
the early restriction in ROM. The therapist must work
diligently to regain full ROM and prevent knee joint
arthrosis.
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