A lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) tear is an injury to the connective tissue that runs along the outer side of the knee joint. Running from the bottom of the thigh bone to the top of the lower-leg bone, this lateral collateral ligament aids in knee stabilization and prevents it from bending outward abnormally.
“Due to the nature of the motions involved, LCL is a knee injury that is highly prevalent among athletes in sports like football, skiing, soccer and rugby”, says top knee replacement surgeon in Mumbai, Dr Niraj Vora. Though a common knee injury, LCL is surrounded by so many misconceptions regarding its symptoms, treatment options and rehabilitation.
So with the inputs from knee replacement specialists in Mumbai, Dr Niraj Vora we write this blog today to give a first-hand information about this common knee injury in Mumbai. Here we dig into the basics of ligaments and then explain about symptoms and treatment options for Lateral Collateral Ligament Tear. Read on:
Ligaments – Function & Importance:
Our musculoskeletal system is an integral unit that is held together by two types of connective tissues – ligaments and tendons. While tendons connect muscle with bone, ligaments connect bones to form a stable system. So naturally, injury to these dense tissues will have a severe impact on the physiology and structure of the musculoskeletal system. In short, its function and movement.
Lateral Collateral Ligament Tear (LCL) – Causes & Symptoms
The lateral Collateral Ligament is one of the four ligaments in the knee that is responsible for a strong stable and functional knee joint. They keep the upper & lower leg bones together and prevent unwanted sideways movement. Injuries and tears happen when this ligament is stretched beyond its limits – a sudden blow to the knee due to accidents or twisting injuries in sports are common causes.
Tenderness and pain outside the knee, swelling, reduced range of motion, bruising, trouble bearing the own weight, and numbness of the foot are common symptoms of LCL injuries.
Treatment and Rehab for Lateral Collateral Ligament Tear and Injuries:
In most cases, a mild injury to the LCL can be treated at home with the common Rest, Ice, and Compression & Elevation method, immediately after the injury. Taking rest, wearing a brace and physical therapy are deemed sufficient in most cases of LCL tear and injuries. Surgical treatment for LCL tear is warranted when the tear is severe and non-surgical treatments fail to give effective outcomes.
According to the top total knee replacement surgeon in Mumbai Dr Niraj Vora, the type of non-surgical option needed for LCL injury is based on the extent and type of the tear suffered. If the LCL ligament is torn at its attachment point the knee surgeon will have to reattach the ligament with large stitches.
In case the tear happened in the middle of the ligament, the knee surgeon sews together the torn ends of the ligament. In rare cases of severe injury where repair is possible, the knee surgeon reconstructs the tendon by using a tendon graft sourced from the patient’s hamstrings or thighs. For more information on treatment for LCL tears or injuries, you can contact Mumbai’s top knee replacement specialist Dr Niraj Vora here @Call: +91-22-6686 8600