Further Outpatient Care
Patients who undergo surgery for grade III lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries are later referred to outpatient PT for rehabilitation. The process of recovery and rehabilitation may take up to 3 months. Less severe injuries of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and LCL also are commonly referred for outpatient PT treatment (see Physical Therapy). [16]
Further Inpatient Care
Depending on each individual case and on the complexity of a lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury that requires surgery, patients may or may not need inpatient care. If the patient requires hospitalization, education should be completed prior to dismissal. Physical therapy may be ordered to complete crutch and stair training, thus ensuring the patient's safety upon his/her return home.
Complications
Peroneal nerve injuries can occur with lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries.
A Swedish study, by Svantesson et al, of 19,457 patients over age 15 years who underwent primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction reported that in such cases, the risk for ACL revision may be greater in those who receive conservative, rather than surgical, treatment for a concomitant medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury. Nonetheless, the investigators found that patients tended to report worse knee function at 2-year follow-up for surgical treatment of MCL trauma. [26]
Patient Education
Depending on their age and activity level, patients may need education and training in the use of the most appropriate assistive device (eg, crutches, walker). Education is important throughout the patient's recovery. Proper treatment strategies and a home exercise program to increase knee joint stability further and avoid recurrence are essential elements of patient education.
For patient education resources, see the Foot, Ankle, Knee, and Hip Center, as well as Knee Injury and Knee Pain.
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The medial and lateral collateral ligaments of the knee. Courtesy of Randale Sechrest, MD, CEO, Medical Multimedia Group.
