The lateral collateral ligament is located at the medial (inner) and lateral (outer) aspects of the knee. These ligaments work with the ACL and PCL to keep the knee stable during motion and activity. When the LCL tears, one will notice side-to-side instability with activities. Typically the LCL is injured when there is direct force on the inside of the knee – the part closest to your other leg. This can cause the LCL, which is located on the outside of the knee, to be stretch or torn beyond its normal range of motion. Tears to the LCL are often seen during knee dislocations. Luckily LCL injuries are far less common than tears to other ligaments in the knee.
In this cases where the tear is severe and non operative methods fail to heal the LCL, knee specialist serving Boulder, Colorado, Dr. Austin Chen may recommend a lateral collateral ligament reconstruction surgery.
What is a LCL reconstruction surgery?
Dr. Austin Chen uses an LCL reconstruction surgery for effectively restoring side-to-side stability to the knee and preventing varus gapping. In an LCL reconstruction surgery, Dr. Chen will replace the torn lateral collateral ligament with a tissue graft. The tendon graft is passed through bone tunnels and fixed to the thigh bone and lower leg bone using screws or posts or with stitches tied around a post.
What is the recovery from a LCL reconstruction surgery?
Following surgery, the patient will be sent home with crutches that will be typically used for 6 weeks or otherwise advised by Dr. Chen. A physical therapy regime will be given to restore strength and normal range of motion to your knee. Physical therapy can be completed through the Boulder Centre for Orthopedics Physical Therapy Center, which offers all patients complete and seamless recovery care. Once a reconstructed LCL (lateral collateral ligament) has fully healed, you should have a minimum of long-term effects.
