Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Repair/Reconstruction
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- Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Repair/Reconstruction
More severe injuries with instability of the knee may require surgical repair or reconstruction. Repair may be performed for injuries within a few weeks if the tear of the ligament is from the upper or lower attachment. If the ligament is torn in the middle or the injury is older than three weeks, then a reconstruction is performed to stabilize the knee. The reconstruction can be performed using a tendon graft (either from the patient or a cadaver tendon) through bone tunnels.
Recovery
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Recovery
Following surgery the knee is maintained in a brace for six to eight weeks. Rehabilitation is initiated after surgery to regain motion of the knee and strength. Return to sports may occur after four to six months of the reconstruction.