What Are the Surgical Options for LCL or PLC Injuries?

• Grade 1 and 2 Tears: These can usually be treated with physical therapy alone.
• Grade 3 Tears: These are complete tears and often need surgery.

If you have a complete tear of the LCL or other parts of the posterior lateral corner (PLC), it’s best to get surgery within the first two weeks after the injury, once you have some range of motion back. This early surgery is important because it helps fix the knee before scar tissue forms and the tissues get weaker. It also helps ensure that the knee is aligned correctly rather than healing in a wrong position.

Modern surgical techniques have improved outcomes for many patients, allowing them to return to high-level activities that were previously limited by PLC injuries. In the past, such injuries often meant giving up sports or other activities due to ongoing knee problems.

We perform surgeries to restore the knee’s original structure using grafts (tissue from a donor). These grafts are secured with special screws that are not made of metal. This technique helps achieve better results and allows for improved movement after surgery.

Patients who have bowlegs (which is common in men), may first need an osteotomy—a surgery to correct the bow-leggedness. This step ensures that the newly repaired ligaments don’t stretch out due to ongoing stress on the knee.

How Long Is the Recovery After LCL Surgery?

Recovering from LCL surgery can take between 6 and 12 months, depending on the severity of the injury and if other ligaments are involved. Here’s a general timeline for recovery:

• First Few Days: Physical therapy starts on the first or second day after surgery to help with movement.
• First Six Weeks: You should avoid putting weight on your knee during this time.
• Around 7-8 Weeks: You might be able to start driving, depending on how well you’re healing.
• 2-4 Months: Begin exercises to build strength and endurance. Agility exercises and running can start around 4 months if earlier stages of rehab go well.
• 9-12 Months: Most people can return to sports or high-level activities by this point.

If you think you might have an LCL or PLC injury, or if you’re experiencing knee pain, contact us to schedule a knee evaluation. We specialize in complex knee injuries and offer personalized care. We use minimally invasive techniques to help you recover faster and get back to the activities you enjoy.