The medial collateral ligament and lateral collateral ligament help protect the knee from excessive side-to-side movement. An injury to either ligament can cause pain, swelling, and instability, particularly during sports or activities that require turning and changing direction.
Dr. Brian Cohen has performed more than 30,000 orthopedic surgical procedures and provides individualized treatment for MCL and LCL injuries in Columbus, OH. Many isolated collateral ligament injuries can heal without surgery, while severe tears and injuries involving other structures may require operative treatment.
What Are the Knee Ligaments?
Four primary ligaments help stabilize the knee: the medial collateral ligament (MCL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).
The cruciate ligaments are located inside the knee and help control forward-and-backward movement. The collateral ligaments are located along the sides of the knee and protect it from excessive side-to-side motion.
The MCL runs along the inner side of the knee and connects the femur to the tibia. The LCL runs along the outer side and connects the femur to the fibula, the smaller bone in the lower leg. MCL injuries are more common than LCL injuries, and either ligament may be damaged along with the meniscus, ACL, or other knee structures.
Diagnosing a Collateral Ligament Injury
Diagnosis begins with a discussion of how the injury occurred, where the pain is located, and whether the knee feels unstable. Dr. Cohen or one of his sports medicine colleagues will examine the knee for swelling and tenderness while evaluating its range of motion, strength, and stability.
X-rays may be ordered to check for fractures or other bone injuries. An MRI can provide more detail about the collateral ligaments and help identify associated damage to the meniscus, cruciate ligaments, cartilage, or other structures.
MCL/LCL Injury Causes and Risk Factors
Collateral ligament injuries generally occur when a force pushes the knee sideways beyond its normal range of motion.
An MCL injury may occur when a blow to the outside of the knee forces it inward. An LCL injury may occur when a blow to the inside of the knee forces it outward. Twisting, awkward landings, and sudden changes in direction may also damage these ligaments.
-
Football
-
Soccer
-
Basketball
-
Hockey
-
Skiing
-
Wrestling
The risk may be higher in activities involving collisions, rapid changes in direction, or a fall that places unusual sideways stress on the knee.
MCL/LCL Injury Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the ligament involved and the severity of the injury. They may include:
-
Pain along the inner or outer side of the knee
-
Swelling
-
Tenderness over the injured ligament
-
Bruising
-
Reduced range of motion
-
Difficulty bearing weight
-
A feeling that the knee may buckle or give way
-
Catching or locking when another knee structure is also injured
Numbness or weakness in the foot may indicate an associated nerve injury, particularly after significant trauma to the outer side of the knee, and should be evaluated promptly.
MCL/LCL Treatment Options
Many isolated collateral ligament injuries can be treated without surgery. The recommended treatment depends on whether the MCL or LCL is injured, the severity and location of the tear, knee stability, and whether other structures are damaged.
Nonsurgical treatment may include:
-
Temporary activity modification
-
Ice
-
A hinged knee brace
-
Crutches when needed
-
Pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medication
-
Physical therapy
-
Progressive strengthening and range-of-motion exercises
Rehabilitation helps restore movement and strength while protecting the ligament as it heals.
MCL/LCL Injury Surgery and Rehabilitation
Surgery may be considered when a collateral ligament is completely torn, cannot heal in an effective position, causes continued instability, or is damaged along with the ACL, PCL, meniscus, or other knee structures.
Depending on the injury, Dr. Cohen may perform:
-
Ligament repair, which reattaches or secures the injured ligament
-
Ligament reconstruction, which replaces a severely damaged ligament with a tissue graft
Rehabilitation is an essential part of recovery. Following surgery, physical therapy gradually restores knee motion, strength, balance, and stability. Dr. Cohen and his team monitor each patient’s progress and adjust activity restrictions based on the procedure performed and ligament healing.
Why Choose Dr. Cohen?
OVER 25+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
One of the first orthopedic surgeons employed by a large hospital. Dr. Cohen spent 20 years.
TRUSTED BY OVER 100,000+ PATIENTS WORLDWIDE
Over his distinguished career, Dr. Cohen has cultivated a reputation of excellence and trust among his patients and his peers.
UTILIZING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY
To achieve the best surgical outcomes, Dr. Cohen uses the most advanced technologies and techniques, keeping his practice state-of-the-art.
PATIENT SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY
An individualized, patient-focused process coupled with decades of training and experience helps ensure maximum safety for all of Dr. Cohen’s patients.
MCL and LCL Injury Care in Columbus, OH
A collateral ligament injury can make the knee painful or unstable during walking, exercise, and sports. Dr. Cohen evaluates which ligament is injured, the severity of the damage, and whether other knee structures are involved before recommending treatment. Many isolated injuries respond to bracing and rehabilitation, while surgery may be appropriate for severe or combined injuries. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian Cohen, call ((614) 788-0375.
