Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) sprain


What is lateral collateral ligament sprain? A sprain is an injury that causes a stretch or tear in a ligament, a strong band of tissue connecting one bone to another. The lateral collateral ligament is located on the outer side of the knee. It attaches the thighbone (femur) to the outside bone in the lower leg (fibula). Sprains vary from minor tears in a few fibers of ligament to complete tears of entire ligaments. Complete tears make the joint very loose and unstable.

How does it occur? The lateral collateral ligament can be injured by a twisting motion or from a blow to the inner side of the knee.

What are the symptoms? Symptoms may include the following: pain on the outer side of the knee, swelling, heat, tenderness, feeling of the knee "giving way" and one can hear or feel a pop or snap at the time of injury.

How is it diagnosed? After examination MRI scan can determine the amount of damage to the ligament. As in any injury, the immediate treatment is to minimize and limit the amount of inflammation by R.I.C.E (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and anti-inflammatory drugs. Depending on the severity of the injury, hot & cold treatments, Ultrasound and electrotherapy are proven methods to speed recovery. The later stages will involve physical therapy to strengthen, restore full range of motion and elasticity of the damaged tissues. Wrapping an elastic bandage around the knee will keep the swelling from getting worse. Sometimes surgery is needed to repair a complete tear.

When can one return to sport or activity? One may safely return to sport or activity when full ROM, strength and elasticity have been regained compared to the uninjured knee and leg. When there is no pain during walking, jumping or running and there is a sufficient support at the joint.