The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is one of the four ligaments that helps stabilise the knee. It spans from the bottom of your thigh bone (femur) to the top of your fibula (smaller of the 2 bones in your calf.
A Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury is a stretch, partial tear, or complete tear of the ligament on the outside of the knee.
The LCL is usually injured by a force directed from the inside surface of the knee, which puts stress on the outside surface of the knee.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a LCL injury are:
- Knee swelling
- Pain and discomfort of the outer knee when tension is put on the LCL
- Knee feels unstable
- Tenderness on the outside of the knee
- Weakness of the knee
Causes
It is caused by a force applied to the inside of the knee and usually results due to a sporting accident. This type of injury can also occur in the elderly due to falls while another cause is just overuse of the knee joint.
Risk Factors
The main risk factor in having a LCL tear is injury through sporting activities. Also weak hip or knee muscles can play a factor.
Investigations
The doctor may order an x-ray of your knee. A MRI may also be done to have a better look at the structures in your knee, especially your ligaments.
Complications
Some complications that can arise due to LCL injury are:
- Knee instability
- Arthritis of the knee
- Blood in the knee joint (haemarthrosis)
- Infection
- Stiffness and weakness if knee immobilised too long during treatment
Treatment
Initial treatment is RICE
Rest the knee
Ice the area
Compression with bandage
Elevation of the leg
For pain, anti-inflammatory drugs can be taken. Also to protect the ligament crutches can be used and a knee brace is used early on to immobilise the knee.
It is very important for you to do physical therapy and to exercise the knee to maintain flexibility and strength. However, care must be taken to not reinjure the knee before it has fully healed.Surgery is only indicated in severe cases. Surgery is also indicated when other ligaments are also injured.
If even after treatment symptoms get worse or there are new symptoms make sure you go see your doctor.
Seeking Advice
Your Family Doctor (GP)
Your Family Doctor will be able to diagnose and help treat your problem. He or she will be able to
- tell you about your problem
- advise you of the best treatment methods
- prescribe you medications
- and if necessary, refer you to Specialists (Consultants) for further treatment
Prevention
Usually LCL injuries are not preventable and happen as a result of a sporting mishap. However, to lessen the chance of an injury, you should be physically prepared before engaging in that particular sport. Also you should follow safety guidelines for that particular sport and stretch properly before engaging in physical activity.
F.A.Q. | Frequently Asked Questions
Are LCL injuries more common than ACL injuries?
No, ACL injuries are much more common than LCL injuries. The LCL is the least injured of the major ligaments in the knee.
What type of force injures the LCL?
The LCL is most likely to be injured when the femur is fixed and a force is applied to the inner part of the knee thus increasing the tension in the outside part of the knee where the LCL is located.