Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL)
Lateral collateral ligament(LCL) and Posterolateral ligamentous corner (PLC)
Popliteus posterior view
Popliteus lateral view
Biceps Femoris muscle
LCL injury mechanism
ICRS Hyaline Cartilage Lesion Classification System
Grade
- 1: Sprain
- 2: Partial tear
- 3: Complete tear
ACL injury may be associated with collateral ligament tears
LCL injury may be related to knee dislocation
LCL and Meniscus tears
- LCL tears may be associated with meniscus tear
- Variation in meniscus tear pattern
Common meniscus tear patterns
Investigations
Knee X-rays:
- Fractures including avulsion ligamentous injury can be excluded with knee X-rays
Ultrasound:
- Useful to assess collateral ligament tears and grading thereof
MRI scan:
- Gold standard investigation for soft tissue knee injury
Management LCL injury
Non-surgical treatment
- Isolated Grade 1-2
- Knee range of motion (ROM) brace where clinically indicated
- Strengthening exercises
- Progressive return to sport after completing a battery of testing
Surgery
- Functional instability in an LCL & PLC deficient knee
- Multiligamentous knee injury instability
Knee ROM brace
Knee collateral ligament strapping
Quadriceps strengthening with resistance band
Download ASSIC Performance Fingerprint or Strength & Conditioning apps for guideline knee bracing and rehab routine guidelines
Surgery: LCL and PLC reconstruction
The LCL and PLC are reconstructed using graft with fixation to the lateral femur anatomic sites and at the fibular, depending on the reconstruction technique.
Download ASSIC Performance Fingerprint or Strength & Conditioning apps for post surgery guideline rehab routines
