LCL Tears

Question 1

Pathogenesis of an LCL tear?

Answer 1

• Hyperextension and varus
• Also high incidence of common peroneal nerve injury from excessive stretch
• Often part of multiple ligament knee injuries: high incidence of vascular injury

Question 2

Signs/symptoms of LCL tear?

Answer 2

Marked instability on rotational movement: excessive internal rotation of the tibia and varus

Question 3

Treatment of LCL tears?

Answer 3

Surgical: early repair
Surgical: late construction with tendon graft