Lateral Collateral Knee Ligament Injury Treatment & Management

Updated: Nov 30, 2020
  • Author: Sherwin SW Ho, MD; Chief Editor: Sherwin SW Ho, MD  more...
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Treatment

Acute Phase

Rehabilitation program

Physical therapy

Grade I and II injuries can usually be treated nonoperatively. [4] Knee bracing with the knee locked in full extension is advised. Full weight bearing can be performed with the knee brace in place. The patient should perform knee range of motion exercises in the prone position only. After 4-6 weeks, patients may return to sport-specific therapy, only if strength and range of motion are comparable to the uninjured side.

Surgical intervention

Grade III tears of the LCL involve disruption of the posterolateral corner (PLC) and are best treated with surgical intervention to prevent instability. [5, 6]

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Recovery Phase

Rehabilitation program

Physical therapy

Physical therapy consists of early range-of-motion (ROM) exercises.

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