Return to Play

The time frame for return to play depends on the severity of the LCL injury and concomitant injuries. Early goals of therapy are to prevent stiffness of the knee while allowing healing to take place. Later, sport-specific therapy is started to transition the athlete into full participation. The athlete needs to regain strength and functional rehabilitation, including proprioception, sport-specific activity, and some type of dynamic running program.

Functional testing (eg, one-legged balance, jumping, running, cutting) should be completed to evaluate the overall condition of the knee. Athletes should be pain free with functional activities and regain full strength and range of motion before they return to sports.

Prevention

Knee bracing has not been shown to be effective in preventing LCL injuries. A program directed at improving flexibility and strength of the core musculature may lessen the likelihood of lower extremity sporting injury.

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Media Gallery

The medial and lateral collateral ligaments of the knee. Courtesy of Randale Sechrest, MD, CEO, Medical Multimedia Group

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Author

Sherwin SW Ho, MD Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, Section of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Chicago Division of the Biological Sciences, The Pritzker School of Medicine

Sherwin SW Ho, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Arthroscopy Association of North America, Herodicus Society, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine

Disclosure: Received consulting fee from Biomet, Inc. for speaking and teaching; Received grant/research funds from Smith and Nephew for fellowship funding; Received grant/research funds from DJ Ortho for course funding; Received grant/research funds from Athletico Physical Therapy for course, research funding; Received royalty from Biomet, Inc. for consulting.

Coauthor(s)

Benedict F Figuerres, MD Fellow in Orthopedic Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Chicago Division of the Biological Sciences, The Pritzker School of Medicine

Benedict F Figuerres, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy Association of North America

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Brad C Erikson, DO Consulting Staff, Shelley Family Medical Center

Brad C Erikson, DO is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Family Physicians

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Received salary from Medscape for employment. for: Medscape.

Henry T Goitz, MD Academic Chair and Associate Director, Detroit Medical Center Sports Medicine Institute; Director, Education, Research, and Injury Prevention Center; Co-Director, Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship

Henry T Goitz, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Additional Contributors

Leslie Milne, MD Assistant Clinical Instructor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Harvard University School of Medicine

Leslie Milne, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Sports Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Sections Lateral Collateral Knee Ligament Injury
Overview
Presentation
DDx
Workup
Treatment
Medication
Follow-up
References

Lateral Collateral Knee Ligament Injury Follow-up

Return to Play

Prevention

References

Tables

Contributor Information and Disclosures

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