LCL Tear (Members Only)

Written by Tele Demetrious

Updated:

(Also known as a LCL Tear, LCL Injury, Torn LCL, Lateral Collateral Ligament Tear, LCL Sprain, Sprained LCL, Ruptured LCL)

What is a LCL tear?

A LCL tear is a relatively common sporting injury affecting the knee and is characterized by tearing of the Lateral Collateral Ligament of the knee (LCL).

A ligament is a strong band of connective tissue which attaches bone to bone. The LCL is situated at the outer aspect of the knee joint and is responsible for joining the outer aspect of the femur (thigh bone) to the outer aspect of the fibula (outer lower leg bone) (figure 1).

Anatomy of a LCL tear and lateral collateral ligament
Figure 1 – Anatomy of a LCL tear

The LCL is one of the most important ligaments of the knee, giving it stability. The LCL achieves this role by preventing excessive twisting, and side to side movements of the knee (varus forces – figure 2). When these movements are excessive and beyond what the ligament can withstand, tearing to the LCL occurs. This condition is known as a LCL tear.

Varus force involved in a LCL tear
Figure 2 – Varus force (often involved in a LCL tear)

A LCL tear may range from a small partial tear resulting in minimal pain, to a complete rupture of the LCL resulting in significant pain and disability. A LCL tear can be graded as follows:


Causes of a LCL tear

LCL tears typically occur during activities placing excessive strain on the LCL. This generally occurs suddenly due to a specific incident, however, occasionally may occur due to repetitive strain. There are two main movements that place stress on the LCL, these include:

When these movements (or combination of these movements) are excessive and beyond what the LCL can withstand tearing of the ligament may occur.

LCL tears are frequently seen in contact sports or sports requiring rapid changes in direction. These may include: football, netball, basketball and downhill skiing. The usual mechanism of injury is a twisting movement when weight-bearing (especially when landing from a jump) or due to a collision to the inner knee, forcing the knee to bend in the wrong direction (such as another player falling across the inside of the knee). Occasionally a LCL tear may occur gradually due to repetitive activities placing strain on the ligament.


Signs and Symptoms of a LCL tear

Patients with this condition may notice an audible snap or tearing sound at the time of injury. In minor cases, patients may be able to continue activity only to experience an increase in pain, swelling and stiffness in the knee after activity with rest (particularly first thing in the morning). Often the pain associated with a torn LCL is localized to the outer aspect of the knee.

In cases of a complete rupture of the LCL, pain is usually severe at the time of injury, however, may sometimes quickly subside. Patients may also experience a feeling of the knee going out and then going back in as well as a rapid onset of swelling (within the first few hours following injury). Patients with a complete rupture of the LCL generally can not continue activity due to pain or the knee feeling unstable. Occasionally, the patient may be unable to weight bear at the time of injury due to pain and may develop bruising and knee stiffness over the coming days.


Diagnosis of a LCL tear

A thorough subjective and objective examination from a physiotherapist is usually sufficient to diagnose a LCL tear. Investigations such as an X-ray, MRI scan or CT scan may be required to confirm diagnosis and determine the extent of damage or involvement of other structures within the knee.


Treatment for a LCL tear

Most patients with this condition heal well with appropriate rehabilitation. The success rate of treatment is largely dictated by patient compliance. A vital aspect of treatment is that the patient rests sufficiently from any activity that increases their pain (a knee brace or the use of crutches are often required to ensure activity is pain free). Activities placing large amounts of stress on the LCL should also be minimized, particularly twisting, varus forces to the knee (figure 2) and excessive weight bearing activity such as prolonged standing or walking (especially up hills or on uneven surfaces), running, jumping, squatting, lifting or kneeling. Resting from aggravating activities ensures the body can begin the healing process in the absence of further tissue damage. Once the patient can perform these activities pain free a gradual return to these activities is indicated provided there is no increase in symptoms.

Ignoring symptoms or adopting a ‘no pain, no gain’ attitude is likely to lead to the condition becoming chronic. Immediate, appropriate treatment in patients with a torn LCL is essential to ensure a speedy recovery. Once the condition is chronic, healing slows significantly resulting in markedly increased recovery times, an increased likelihood of future recurrence and chronic knee instability.

Patients with this condition should follow the R.I.C.E. Regime in the initial phase of injury. The R.I.C.E regime is beneficial in the first 72 hours following a LCL tear or when inflammatory signs are present (i.e. morning pain or pain with rest). The R.I.C.E. regime involves resting from aggravating activities (this may include the use of a knee braceknee taping or the use of crutches), regular icing (i.e. 20 minutes every 2 hours), the use of a compression bandage and keeping the leg elevated. Anti-inflammatory medication may also significantly hasten the healing process by reducing the pain and swelling associated with inflammation.

Manual “hands-on” therapy from the physiotherapist such as massage, trigger point releases, joint mobilisation, dry needling, stretches and electrotherapy can also assist with improving range of movement and function following a LCL tear. This can generally commence once the physiotherapist has indicated it is safe to do so.

Patients with a LCL tear should perform pain-free flexibility and strengthening exercises as part of their rehabilitation to ensure an optimal outcome. One of the key components of rehabilitation is pain-free strengthening of the quadriceps (vastus medialis obliquus muscle – VMO), hamstring, gluteal and calf muscles to improve the control of the knee joint with weight-bearing activities. The treating physiotherapist can advise which exercises are most appropriate for the patient and when they should be commenced.

For those patients who wish to return to running or sport, a graduated return to running program is required in the final stages of rehabilitation to recondition the LCL for running in a safe and effective manner. This should include the implementation of progressive acceleration/deceleration and change-of-direction running drills before returning to sport.


Prognosis of a LCL tear

With appropriate management, most patients with a minor to moderate LCL tear (grades 1 and 2) can return to sport or normal activity within 2 – 8 weeks. Patients with a complete rupture of the LCL will require a longer period of rehabilitation to gain optimum function. Patients who also have damage to other structures of the knee such as the meniscus or cruciate ligaments are likely to have an extended rehabilitation period.


Physiotherapy for a LCL tear

Physiotherapy for patients with this condition is vital to hasten the healing process, ensure an optimal outcome and reduce the likelihood of future recurrence. Treatment may comprise:



Other intervention for a LCL tear

Despite appropriate physiotherapy management, a small percentage of patients with this condition do not improve adequately. When this occurs the treating physiotherapist or doctor can advise on the best course of management. This may involve further investigation such as an X-ray, CT scan or MRI, or a review by a specialist who can advise on any procedures that may be appropriate to improve the condition. Surgical reconstruction of the LCL may be required in rare cases of a complete LCL rupture when conservative measures fail.


Exercises for a LCL tear

The following exercises are commonly prescribed to patients with a LCL tear. You should discuss the suitability of these exercises with your physiotherapist prior to beginning them. Generally, they should be performed 3 times daily and only provided they do not cause or increase symptoms.

Your physiotherapist can advise when it is appropriate to begin the initial exercises and eventually progress to the intermediate and advanced exercises. As a general rule, addition of exercises should take place provided there is no increase in symptoms.


Initial Exercises

Knee Bend to Straighten

Bend and straighten your knee as far as possible and comfortable without increasing your pain (figure 3). Repeat 10 – 20 times provided there is no increase in symptoms.

Exercises for an LCL Tear - Knee Bend to Straighten
Figure 3 – Knee Bend to Straighten (right leg)

Static Quadriceps Contraction

Tighten the muscle at the front of your thigh (quadriceps) by pushing your knee down into a towel (figure 4). Put your fingers on your inner quadriceps to feel the muscle tighten during contraction. Hold for 5 seconds and repeat 10 times as hard as possible without increasing your symptoms.

Exercises for an LCL Tear - Static Quadriceps Contraction
Figure 4 – Static quadriceps contraction (left leg)

Intermediate Exercises

Bridging

Begin this exercise lying on your back in the position demonstrated (figure 5). Slowly lift your bottom pushing through your feet, until your knees, hips and shoulders are in a straight line. Tighten your bottom muscles (gluteals) as you do this. Hold for 2 seconds then slowly lower your bottom back down. Repeat 10 times provided the exercise is pain free.

Exercises for an LCL Tear - Bridging
Figure 5 – Bridging

Squat with Swiss Ball

Begin this exercise in standing with your feet shoulder width apart, your feet facing forwards and a Swiss ball placed between a wall and your lower back (figure 6). Slowly perform a squat, keeping your back straight. Your knees should be in line with your middle toes and should not move forward past your toes. Begin with a shallow quarter squat and repeat 10 – 20 times provided there is no increase in symptoms. Gradually increase the squat depth over a number of days so that eventually you are performing a squat to a 90 degree knee bend, provided there is no increase in symptoms.

Exercises for an LCL Tear - Squat with Swiss Ball
Figure 6 – Squat with Swiss Ball

Heel Raises

Begin this exercise standing at a bench or chair for balance (figure 7). Keep your feet shoulder width apart and facing forwards. Slowly move up onto your toes, raising your heels as far as possible and comfortable without pain. Perform 10 – 20 repetitions provided the exercise is pain free.

Exercises for an LCL Tear - Heel Raises
Figure 7 – Heel Raises

Hamstring Stretch

Place your foot on a step or chair. Keep your knee and back straight, lean forward at your hips until you feel a stretch in the back of your thigh / knee (figure 8). Hold for 15 seconds and repeat 4 times at a mild to moderate stretch provided the exercise is pain free.

Exercises for an LCL Tear - Hamstring Stretch
Figure 8 – Hamstring Stretch

Calf Stretch

With your hands against the wall, place your leg to be stretched behind you as demonstrated (figure 9). Keep your heel down, knee straight and feet pointing forwards. Gently lunge forwards until you feel a stretch in the back of your calf / knee. Hold for 15 seconds and repeat 4 times at a mild to moderate stretch provided the exercise is pain free.

Exercises for an LCL Tear - Calf Stretch
Figure 9 – Calf Stretch

Advanced Exercises

Single Leg Bridging

Begin this exercise lying on your back in the position demonstrated (figure 10). Slowly lift your bottom pushing through your foot, until your knee, hip and shoulder are in a straight line. Tighten your bottom muscles (gluteals) as you do this and hold for 2 seconds. Then slowly lower back down. Perform 10 – 20 repetitions provided the exercise is pain free.

Exercises for an LCL Tear - Single Leg Briding
Figure 10 – Single Leg Bridging (left leg)

Single Leg Squat with Swiss Ball

Begin this exercise standing on one leg with your foot facing forwards and a Swiss ball placed between a wall and your lower back (figure 11). Slowly perform a squat, keeping your back straight. Your knee should not bend beyond right angles and should be in line with your middle toe. Your knee also should not move forward past your toes. Begin with a shallow quarter squat and repeat 10 – 20 times provided there is no increase in symptoms. Gradually increase the squat depth over a number of days so that eventually you are performing a squat to a 90 degree knee bend, provided there is no increase in symptoms.

Exercises for an LCL Tear - Single Leg Squat with Swiss Ball
Figure 11 – Single Leg Squat with Swiss Ball

Single Leg Heel Raises

Begin this exercise standing on one leg at a bench or chair for balance (figure 12). Keeping your foot facing forwards, slowly move up onto your toes, raising your heel as far as possible and comfortable without pain. Perform 10 – 30 repetitions provided the exercise is pain free.

Exercises for an LCL Tear - Single Leg Heel Raises
Figure 12 – Single Leg Heel Raises

Resistance Band Hamstring Curl

Begin this exercise lying on your stomach with a resistance band tied around your ankle as shown (figure 13). Slowly bend your knee tightening the back of your thigh (hamstrings). Perform 10 – 20 repetitions provided the exercise is pain free.

Exercises for an LCL Tear - Resistance Band Hamstring Curl
Figure 13 – Resistance Band Hamstring Curl

Quadriceps Stretch

Use a chair or table for balance. Take your heel towards your bottom, keeping your knees together and your back straight until you feel a stretch in the front of your thigh or as far as you can go without pain (figure 14). Hold for 15 seconds and repeat 4 times at a mild to moderate stretch provided there is no increase in symptoms.

Exercises for an LCL Tear - Quadriceps Stretch
Figure 14 – Quadriceps Stretch

Rehabilitation Protocol for a LCL tear

The following is a general rehabilitation protocol for a LCL tear. This needs to be tailored to each individual and should be discussed with your treating physiotherapist prior to commencing. Progression through this program can vary from several days to many weeks depending on injury severity and quality of treatment:


Shop 2

  Physiotherapy products for a LCL tear

Some of the most commonly recommended products by physiotherapists to hasten healing and speed recovery in patients with a LCL tear include:

To purchase physiotherapy products for a LCL tear click on one of the above links or visit the PhysioAdvisor Shop


Find a Physio

  Find a Physio for a LCL tear

Find a physiotherapist in your local area to treat a LCL tear.


More Information  More Information


Become a PhysioAdvisor Member


Link to this Page

Link to this Page

If you would like to link to this article on your website, simply copy the code below and add it to your page:

<a href="https://physioadvisor.com.au/injuries/knee/lcl-tear-members-only”>LCL Tear (Members Only) – PhysioAdvisor.com</a><br/>PhysioAdvisor offers detailed physiotherapy information on a LCL tear and LCL injury including: causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, exercises, rehabilitation protocol, physiotherapy products and more...

Return to the top of LCL Tear (Members Only).