Three Steps Toward Recovery From A Lateral Collateral Ligament Injury In New Jersey

 

At Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, we understand that you have a lot of questions. We want to help you find your way by providing a basic, three step outline of your journey toward recovery from a lateral collateral ligament injury in New Jersey. 

 

Stage One: Assessment

First and foremost, it is important to get the facts about your injury. Begin by making an appointment with a sports medicine physician who specializes in orthopaedics of the knee. He or she will perform a physical examination of your knee, ask you questions about your injury and current symptoms, and may also order an MRI. 

 

All of these steps will help your physician to assess the extent of the injury to the ligament which runs along the outside of the knee. Because this ligament is often injured concurrently with others, your doctor will also look for any other injuries which may have occurred at the same time. The extent of the damage will determine what course of treatment your doctor recommends. 

 

Stage Two: Treatment

Based on your diagnosis, your doctor will likely recommend one of two treatment options. If your injury is not considered severe and your knee is stable, non-operative treatment will probably be your best option. This course typically includes rest, ice, rehabilitation, and bracing for four two six week. 

 

However, if the injury is severe, lateral collateral ligament repair or reconstruction may be a more effective option. For most recent injuries, a repair can be made to the existing ligament. However, for older injuries or those in which the ligament has torn in the middle, reconstruction can be performed using a tendon graft. 

 

Stage Three: Recovery

Depending upon the extent of your injury, and the way it has been treated, your recovery time can vary from six weeks to six months. 

 

If your injury is being treated non-operatively, you can usually expect to return to normal athletic activities six to eight weeks later. However, to improve your recovery experience and overall results, it is important that you follow your doctor’s instructions regarding rest and rehabilitative activities. 

 

In addition, if your injury was treated surgically, you can typically expect to wear a brace for six to eight weeks, in addition to rehabilitation to regain motion and strength. Four to six months after reconstruction you can expect to return to your normal activities. 

 

For more information about treatment for lateral collateral ligament injury in New Jersey or to make an appointment, contact Rothman Orthopaedic Institute today at 1.800.321.9999.