19 March, 2025
Lateral knee ligament injuries: causes, treatment and recovery
Recently, we learned that Marc Casadó suffered a partial tear of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) in his knee, yet he was surprisingly able to continue playing until the second half. But is this possible? How do these injuries affect knee stability? What is the difference between treating a medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain and an LCL strain? What happens with partial LCL injuries? How are they treated? Why do they occur? Are they the same as ACL injuries?
What is the function of the lateral collateral ligament?
The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) plays a crucial role in joint stability. This ligament prevents the knee from “opening” outward (varus instability), meaning it restricts the lateral movement of the tibia relative to the femur. The lateral collateral ligament is the primary external stabilizer of the knee joint. Without it, the knee becomes unstable, making it impossible to perform pivoting sports.
Knee ligaments: key stabilizers
The knee joint relies heavily on its ligaments for stability. The main structures include:
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL): Prevents the knee from collapsing inward.
- Lateral collateral ligament (LCL): Restricts outward movement.
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL): Control front-to-back movement.
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is the most commonly injured in knee sprains and typically heals well with conservative treatment. In contrast, lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries are less frequent but may require surgery if knee stability is compromised.
How are knee ligament injuries treated?
Treatment for knee ligament injuries depends on several factors. Partial ACL injuries can be controversial, with some specialists opting for conservative treatment with rehabilitation, while others prefer early surgical intervention. The main issue with ACL injuries is that they rarely heal on their own, making surgery necessary in most cases. However, medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries have a high healing rate with conservative management. In the case of lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries, like Casadó’s, the situation falls somewhere between these two extremes. Let’s take a closer look…
Treatment for lateral knee ligament injuries
Lateral knee ligament injuries can range from a simple strain to a partial tear or a complete rupture. Treatment varies based on severity:
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain: Usually treated with partial immobilization, physical therapy, and muscle strengthening.
- Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) sprain: May require closer monitoring, as persistent instability could necessitate surgery.
- Lateral ligament strain: Rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and progressive strengthening are recommended.
How long does it take to recover from an LCL sprain?
The recovery time for an LCL sprain depends on the severity of the injury:
- Mild: 2 to 4 weeks with rest and physical therapy.
- Moderate: 4 to 8 weeks with conservative treatment.
- Severe (partial or complete tear): May require surgery, with recovery lasting 3 to 6 months.
How to know if you need knee surgery?
In cases like Marc Casadó, to determine if knee ligament surgery is necessary, key factors include:
- The percentage of ligament damage.
- Imaging tests such as MRI scans.
- Clinical examination and knee stability.
- The patient’s level of physical activity.
If the knee is unstable or the athlete has high physical demands, surgery may be the best option to prevent recurrent injuries and further damage to structures like the meniscus or knee cartilage.
“For lateral knee ligament injuries, if the joint is unstable or the athlete has high physical demands, surgery may be the best option to prevent relapses and damage to other structures like the meniscus or cartilage.”
If you have pain on the outer side of your knee, consult a specialist
If you experience pain in the lateral collateral ligament or have suffered an MCL sprain, consult a specialist to determine the best treatment. A proper diagnosis can make the difference between a quick recovery and a chronic injury. Listen to your body and take action in time!