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Treatment Of Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Tears

The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is one of the four main ligaments that support the knee joint. Located on the outside of the knee, it is more protected from injury – it takes a severe twisting or blow to the inside of the knee to stretch or tear an LCL. Most LCL sprains occur as sports injuries, especially contact sports that can result in impact to the inside of the knee. Jonathan L. Glashow, MD orthopedic surgery and sports injury center offers effective treatment of lateral collateral ligament (LCL) tears at our Miami, FL, clinic.

LCL sprains and tears can cause instability of the knee joint. Athletes that participate in sports like football, basketball, rugby, hockey and other contact sports are the most likely to sustain an LCL injury. Mild to moderate LCL injuries can respond to non-surgical treatments such as rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy. For a severe or complete tear of the LCL, surgery is usually required to restore full function to the knee joint.

LCL Reconstruction or Repair Surgery

LCL tears tend to recover slower than other knee ligament tears or sprains. When there is a complete tear, orthopedic surgery is needed to repair or reconstruct the ligament. LCL surgery is not performed arthroscopically like many knee procedures – it does require open surgery to repair or reconstruct the ligament. If the torn ligament can be repaired, sutures are used to reconnect the strands to the femur and fibula. For complete LCL reconstruction, a donor tendon is used to restore the connection and stabilize the outside of the knee joint.

Dr. Glashow has a reputation as one of the top orthopedic and sports medicine surgeons in the country. If you have a serious knee injury such as an LCL tear, you want one of the best orthopedic surgeons to perform your LCL repair. Dr. Glashow and his team can provide the best treatment for your LCL tear and help you get on the road to recovery.

If you live in the Fort Lauderdale, Miami or Palm Beach area and have an LCL injury, contact us at Jonathan L. Glashow, MD orthopedic surgery and sports injury center. Call our office to schedule your LCL treatment consultation.

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