Lateral Collateral Knee Ligament Injury Treatment & Management
- Author: Sherwin SW Ho, MD; Chief Editor: Sherwin SW Ho, MD more...
Acute Phase
Rehabilitation Program
Physical Therapy
For grade I and II LCL injuries, the suggested treatment includes rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), and non–weight-bearing restriction with the use of crutches. Hinged bracing may also be helpful. Grade III injuries, those usually involving a tear of posterolateral capsular complex, are best treated with surgical intervention.[4] A return to full-weight-bearing gait should be gradual over the course of 4 weeks.
Surgical Intervention
Grade III tears usually involve a tear in the posterolateral capsular complex and are best treated with surgical intervention.[4]
Recovery Phase
Rehabilitation Program
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy consists of early range-of-motion (ROM) exercises, particularly cycling and quadriceps-strengthening exercises.
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