Assessment, focusing on the physical exam, requires a high degree of suspicion for associated cruciate ligament, meniscus, and posterolateral or posteromedial corner injuries. Nonoperative treatment consisting of RICE, pain modalities, activity modification, and protection with a hinged brace is standard for most injuries. Grade 3 LCL tears usually require surgery.
Functional rehabilitation begins immediately.
H its to the outside or inside of the knee, common in contact sports, are the mechanism of medial and lateral collateral ligament injuries. Diagnosis and treatment are effectively handled in the office as long as thorough physical tests and radiographs are done to rule out more serious associated injuries such as cruciate ligament tears, growth plate disruptions, and fractures. On the field, the player reported immediate pain over the inner knee. He did not recall any twisting motion at the time of injury. Evaluation on the sidelines produced negative Lachman and anterior drawer tests.