Articles » Injuries » Injuries of the lower limbs » Lateral Ligament Sprain

Lateral Collateral Ligament Sprain of the Knee

What it Effects

• The ligament on the outside of the knee

Who it Effects

• Common in football and rugby if a force such as a kick is applied below the knee on the outside of the leg

Mechanism of Injury

• Force applied to the outside of leg below the knee
• When the foot is fixed to the floor but the femur is turned outwards (external rotation) especially if the tibia is slightly turned inwards (internal rotation)

Signs and Symptoms (Depend upon degree of sprain sustained)

• Pain
• Point tenderness
• Increased movement on varus stress test
• Swelling
• Instability
• Pain reproduced on sit to stand

Treatment

• PRICE in acute stage of grade 1-3 sprain
• Proprioceptive exercises are a very important part of rehabilitation
• Crutches
• Ultrasound to break down formation of scar tissue and align collagen
• ROM (range of movement) exercises for ankle, knee and hip continued until there is full pain free ROM
• Isometric quad exercises e.g. SLR (straight leg raise) should be the first strengthening exercises attempted
• Cycling- a good non weight bearing activity to attempt once there is sufficient ROM
• Isotonic exercises can be attempted after isometric exercises are achieved to good standard. The resistance can be increased using theraband / machines
• When running is attempted it should first be running in straight lines and then gradually progressed

Additional Information

• Not as common as a Medial Ligament Sprain

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