Knee Treatments
LCL Repair and Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction
What is an LCL Injury and/or a Posterolateral Corner Injury?
The lateral collateral ligament (LCL), also known as the fibular collateral ligament (FCL), plays a crucial role in stabilizing the knee joint by controlling sideways motion and protecting the knee from excessive stress in this direction. The LCL, along with other structures, forms part of the posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee, which also includes the posterolateral capsule, popliteofibular ligament, and the popliteus tendon. Injuries to the LCL and the PLC are often complex, requiring specialized expertise for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Causes of LCL and Posterolateral Corner Injuries
Trauma: Direct impact to the inner side of the knee, pushing the knee outward, commonly seen in contact sports.
Falls: Falling on a bent knee or twisting the knee awkwardly.
Sports Injuries: Sudden directional changes, improper landing from jumps, or collisions during sports activities.
Symptoms of LCL and Posterolateral Corner Injuries
Pain: Sharp pain on the outer side of the knee, especially when the knee is under stress.
Swelling: Immediate or delayed swelling around the knee joint.
Instability: Feeling of the knee giving way or instability, particularly during lateral movements.
Bruising: Bruising around the knee, indicating trauma to the soft tissues.
Diagnosis of LCL and Posterolateral Corner Injuries
To accurately diagnose an LCL or PLC injury, Dr. Khaleel Senior Consultant arthroscopic knee and sports surgeon Kims Alshifa , Perintalmanna , Kerala , India , performs:
Physical Examination: Assessing knee stability, range of motion, and localized tenderness.
Medical Review: Detailed history of the injury and previous knee conditions.
Diagnostic Imaging:
X-rays: To rule out fractures and assess bone alignment.MRI: Provides a detailed view of soft tissue structures, including ligaments, tendons, and the joint capsule.
Treatment Options for LCL and Posterolateral Corner Injuries
Conservative Treatment
Rest: Avoid activities that stress the knee.
Ice: Apply ice packs to reduce swelling and pain.
Compression: Use of compression wraps or sleeves to manage swelling.
Elevation: Elevate the knee to decrease swelling.
Physical Therapy: Strengthening and stability exercises to restore knee function.
Surgical Treatment
In cases of severe injury or when conservative measures fail to improve symptoms, surgical intervention may be necessary.
LCL Repair and Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction
Dr. Khaleel Senior Consultant arthroscopic knee and sports surgeon Kims Alshifa , Perintalmanna , Kerala , India , may recommend surgical repair or reconstruction depending on the extent of the injury.
LCL Repair:
Procedure: Dr. Khaleel Senior Consultant arthroscopic knee and sports surgeon Kims Alshifa , Perintalmanna , Kerala , India , uses an arthroscopic, minimally invasive approach to assess the damage. The LCL is repaired using sutures if the ligament is torn but still intact.
LCL Reconstruction:
Procedure: For complete tears or when the LCL cannot be repaired, a graft (either autograft from the patient or allograft from a donor) is used to reconstruct the ligament.
Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction:
Procedure: Often involves an open surgical approach. Multiple grafts may be used to reconstruct the LCL, popliteofibular ligament, and popliteus tendon to restore stability to the knee. The reconstruction aims to repair all damaged structures simultaneously.
Dr.Khaleel ,who is an expert in multi Knee ligament surgery can perform the surgery arthroscopically/minimally invasive. He is One of the few surgeon who does this type of surgery arthroscopically.
Post-Surgical Care and Recovery
After surgery, a comprehensive rehabilitation program is essential for a successful recovery.
This includes:
Immobilization: The knee is immobilized with a brace to protect the repair and allow healing.
Physical Therapy: Gradual exercises to restore range of motion, strength, and stability.
Follow-up Appointments: Regular check-ups with Dr. Khaleel Senior Consultant arthroscopic knee and sports surgeon Kims Alshifa , Perintalmanna , Kerala , India , to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Conclusion
LCL and posterolateral corner injuries are complex and require specialized care for proper diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Khaleel Senior Consultant arthroscopic knee and sports surgeon Kims Alshifa , Perintalmanna , Kerala , India , with his extensive experience in orthopedic knee surgery, offers advanced surgical techniques to repair and reconstruct these critical knee structures, helping patients in Kerala return to their active lifestyles.
