How to Have a Successful Lateral Collateral Ligament Repair In Philadelphia

 

Are you or someone you love in search of

lateral collateral ligament repair in Philadelphia? Look no further than Rothman Orthopaedic Institute for all of your orthopaedic needs.

 

 

What Are Lateral Collateral Ligaments (LCL)?

 

 

Ligaments are thick, strong bands of tissue that connect bone to bone. LCL’s run along the outside of the knee joint, from the outside of the bottom of the thighbone, to the top of the lower leg bone.

 

 

Common in sports and contact injuries, lateral collateral ligament injuries are caused by blows to the inside of the knee, pushing the knee outward which results in one of three types of sprains.

 

• Grade 1 Sprain. The ligament gets slightly stretched, but still maintains the ability to keep the joint stable.

• Grade 2 Sprain. Referred to as a partial tear of the ligament, this is where the ligament itself becomes loose.

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• Grade 3 Sprain. This happens when the ligament has torn completely into two pieces, and is unable to keep the joint stable.

 

 

What Are The Symptoms of LCL?

 

• You may experience pain on the outside of your knee.

• Stiffness in the joint, causing locking while moving.

• There may be swelling over the injury site.

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• Your knee may feel unstable, causing awareness of your knee giving way.

 

 

What Treatment Options Are Available?

 

 

Fortunately, lateral collateral ligament injuries can be treated both non-surgically and surgically. Treatment may go as follows.

 

 

Non-Surgical

 

• Physical Therapy: Specific strengthening exercises may restore your knee back to it’s former function.

• Ice: Aiding your lateral collateral ligament in the healing process can help when icing every hour for 15-20 minutes.

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• Bracing: Wearing a brace may protect your injured ligament from stress. When you receive a brace it will cover both sides of your knee, to keep it in place.

 

 

Surgical

 

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• If the collateral ligament doesn’t respond to the above non-operative treatments, it will require surgery. Surgery is also recommended when the injury is associated with another ligament injury as well.

 

 

What Can Rothman Orthopaedic Institute Do For You?

 

 

Here at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute we pride ourselves in the quality care that we provide for our patients.

 

 

During your first appointment, one of our expert physicians will ask you about your symptoms and medical history, then conduct a physical examination. During this examination your doctor will:

 

• Check all the structures of your injured knee.

• Compare your injured knee to your non-injured knee.

• Take x-rays to be sure sure that the bones in the knee are not fractured.

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  Your doctor may recommend an MRI scan to further examine the soft tissue (ligaments).

If you would like more information on how Rothman Orthopaedic Institute can provide the highest quality treatment for lateral collateral ligament repair in Philadelphia, please contact us online or give us a call at 1-800-321-9999.