Dallas LCL Surgeon
The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is located on the outer side of the knee joint. It connects the femur (thigh bone) to the fibula (shin bone). The posterolateral corner is a collection of ligaments that provides support to the backside of the knee. Combined, the LCL and posterolateral corner help to keep your knee from twisting outward. The medial collateral ligament (MCL), located on the inner side of the knee, provides stability in the opposite direction and works together with other structures to maintain overall joint balance. Similar to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries, surgery is often necessary to repair damage to the LCL or posterolateral corner, particularly in more complex ligament injuries.
Damage to these structures can result in pain, swelling, instability, and a feeling of the knee “giving way,” which is particularly when walking, pivoting, or bearing weight. These types of injuries are commonly seen in sports injuries, especially those involving sudden changes in direction or direct contact to the knee. In some cases, surgical reconstruction may involve the use of graft tissue, such as a hamstring tendon, depending on the severity and pattern of injury. An evaluation from a Dallas LCL surgeon like Dr. Steven J. Thornton can help determine the appropriate treatment plan.
The Procedures & Treatment Options
For context, it is important to note that less severe injuries, especially isolated LCL sprains, conservative treatment is often the first approach in sports medicine. This is meant to reduce pain and swelling, and restore knee function without surgery.
Common conservative methods include:
RICE: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation to manage pain and swelling.
Bracing: A knee brace provides support and limits movement, particularly in cases involving ligament-related instability.
Physical Therapy: These exercises are intended to strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve stability.
When it comes to significant LCL or posterolateral corner injuries, surgery is often necessary— which is especially true when both are damaged, in cases involving a torn ligament, or when conservative treatment fails.
There are a number of methods for surgery:
LCL Reconstruction Surgery/Repair: The torn LCL may be repaired directly or reconstructed using a tissue graft (tissue taken from another part of your body or from a donor).
Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction: This is a more complex procedure— often involving multiple ligament reconstructions. This is done to restore stability to the back and outside of the knee, and is typically performed by an experienced orthopedic surgeon.
Modern orthopedic knee surgical techniques have a high success rate, but following post-operative guidelines can help ensure a smooth and timely recovery.
FAQS about Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Injuries
General Post Operative Care
What to Eat or Drink Following Your Procedure
The following are general instructions for diet following LCL and posterolateral knee reconstruction surgery:
- Unless your Dallas LCL surgeon has provided specific instructions, you aren’t restricted to a special diet following your procedure. However, you may feel nauseated during the first 24 hours. Pain medication can also cause nausea.
- Most patients tolerate light foods well during the first 1-2 days after surgery. Crackers, oatmeal, and soups are all good choices. Heavy, greasy foods are usually a bad idea.
- If you experience extreme nausea or vomiting, contact our office as soon as possible.
- Staying hydrated is essential for recovery and overall health. We encourage you to drink plenty of water in the days following your procedure.
Caring for Incisions
Any incisions, such as a small incision created during your LCL and posterolateral corner reconstruction surgery, will be bandaged by your care team prior to discharge.
- Do not remove your bandages. Our team will remove them at your follow-up appointment.
- Mild bleeding and fluid drainage are normal after surgery. In some cases, your initial bandages may become saturated. If this happens, do not remove the bandages. Instead, wrap the affected area with sterile gauze.
- Itching is a common reaction following surgery, but do not scratch at the incision site. Instead, you may be able to very gently rub the area, but use caution, and always wash your hands before touching the area around an incision.
- Your incision site should not ooze blood or fluids. Excessive bleeding or fluid drainage should be reported to your care team immediately. Blood and discharge should decrease with each day in recovery.
- You can take a shower after 24 hours following your procedure, but incision sites need to stay dry. You can cover them with waterproof plastic, including by gently tying a plastic bag around the area. Avoid submerging the incision site in water (baths, hot tubs, pools) until your doctor clears you.
- Do not use creams or lotions on your incisions or in the area of incisions.
- After 1-2 weeks, your stitches will be removed at a follow-up appointment. During this visit, your Dallas LCL doctor will let you know if it is safe to allow your incision site to get wet.
Pain and Medication Guidelines
*The following are general aftercare guidelines for the use of medications. Your doctor will provide specific instructions as they pertain to your health, prescriptions and procedure.
- You have been given a numbing medication during your surgery. This will wear off in 6-10 hours. As the anesthesia wears off, you may begin to feel pain and soreness.
- Your doctor may have prescribed medications to alleviate pain. These medications should be taken in accordance with your doctor’s instructions and any instructions included with the medication.
- Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while taking prescription pain medications. These medications may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired coordination or judgment.
- Patients who are at risk for developing clots should discuss this risk with their care team. If you take any over-the-counter medications or other prescriptions, make sure your care team is aware. Certain pain medications may interact with other drugs. Inform your doctor of any medications you are taking.
Your Mobility Following LCL and Posterolateral Corner Surgery
The following are some general guidelines regarding mobility following LCL reconstruction or posterolateral reconstruction surgery. Your doctor may provide specific instructions based on your healthcare needs, including recommendations following a physical examination:
- Do not expect to be mobile for the first week following your surgery. Once you feel comfortable moving, use crutches for support, but move cautiously. Adjusting to crutches may take time, and pain medication can make coordination more difficult.
- Even if you want to move, it’s important to rest following surgery. Elevate your leg by placing pillows under your ankle, not your knee, to reduce swelling.
- Bearing weight on your leg is inadvisable in the early stages of recovery. As permitted by your doctor, you can test small amounts of weight on your leg after the first week, but do not overdo it. Placing full weight on the operated knee too soon can lead to pain and potential complications.
- Do not attempt to drive until given the go-ahead by your doctor. Avoid prolonged sitting, including long car rides, during recovery.
- Discuss your surgery with your workplace and ask for accommodations. Ideally, you will want to be able to keep your leg propped up at work during recovery.
Proper Usage of Your Brace
Keep your brace on at all times until your Dallas LCL specialist instructs otherwise. It provides support and protects the knee during healing.
Use a Cold Pack for Swelling
- Applying cold to your incision site can reduce swelling and pain. Below are some guidelines for safe application:
- Swelling can be reduced by applying a cold pack or ice to the surgical site. Do not place ice directly on the skin, and do not allow the surgical site to become wet.
- Instead, use a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth or plastic bag. Apply cold to your incision site for 15-30 minutes at a time every few hours.
Movement and Stretching Guidelines
Movement and stretching can help with circulation, but it can also cause pain and injury when done improperly.
- Small movements, such as wiggling your toes, help maintain circulation. However, avoid twisting motions as they may cause pain or injury.
- If physical therapy has been ordered in your follow-up care plan, our office can help you coordinate an appointment. Your Dallas LCL doctor will also guide when it is safe to return to physical activities based on your progress.
CALL US IF…
Reach out right away if you notice:
- Severe, persistent pain that does not improve with medication or radiates through your upper arm.
- Fever, chills, infection, redness, off-color discharge.
- Severe swelling, tingling, numbness or skin discoloration, particularly in the hand, fingers or forearm.
- Respiratory distress or chest discomfort.
- Bleeding or persistent fluid leakage at the incision site.
Dallas LCL Surgeon Steven J. Thornton, MD for Complex LCL and PLC Knee Injuries
Contact Dr. Thornton’s office to learn about effective treatment strategies and start your journey towards a healthier life!
Beyond common knee issues, we help patients recover from conditions like MCL injuries, meniscus root and meniscus tears, and patellar and quadriceps tendon injuries.