Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury of the knee

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Lateral collateral ligament pain

Lateral collateral ligament injury

Lateral collateral ligament

Torn lateral collateral ligament

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury of the knee

Alternative Names:

LCL injury; Knee injury - lateral collateral ligament (LCL)

First Aid:

Initial treatment of an LCL injury includes ice to the area, elevation of the joint (above the level of the heart), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or aspirin, and limited physical activity until the pain and swelling subside.

Immobilization for a period of time is generally necessary for pain relief and healing. Physical therapy is usually helpful to regain knee strength and flexibility.

Surgery for isolated LCL injuries is not generally necessary. However, this ligament is commonly injured during significant trauma, including knee dislocations. When injuries to the LCL occur with other ligament injuries, repair is necessary to prevent future instability of the knee.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:

Call your health care provider if you injure your knee and symptoms of LCL injury occur.

Call your health care provider if you are being treated for an LCL injury and you notice increased instability in your knee, if pain or swelling return after they initially subsided, or if your injury does not resolve with time.

Also call if you reinjure your knee.

Review Date: 8/3/2004
Reviewed By: Kevin B. Freedman, M.D., Section of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, Loyola University Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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