Rehabilitation Protocol After LCL Avulsion Injury of the Knee
Conservative Management
- Isometric quadriceps exercises, including static quadriceps contractions, can be safely prescribed during the first 2 postoperative weeks, as recommended by the British Journal of Sports Medicine 1
- Cryotherapy can be used to reduce pain and swelling, as suggested by Praxis Medical Insights 2
- Closed kinetic chain exercises should be prioritized over open kinetic chain exercises during the moderate protection phase, according to the British Journal of Sports Medicine 3, 2
Progressive Strengthening and Neuromuscular Training
- Progressive strengthening with both open and closed kinetic chain exercises can be implemented, as recommended by the British Journal of Sports Medicine 3, 4
- Neuromuscular training can be used to restore dynamic stability, as suggested by the British Journal of Sports Medicine 3, 4
Return to Function and Sport
- Functional progression should be based on achieving specific milestones rather than time alone, as recommended by the British Journal of Sports Medicine 5
- A limb symmetry index >90% for strength testing is recommended before sport clearance, as suggested by the British Journal of Sports Medicine 5
- Sport-specific functional testing demonstrating readiness is necessary before return to sport, as recommended by the British Journal of Sports Medicine 5
Exercise Selection and Progression
- Closed kinetic chain exercises, such as leg press, squats, and step-ups, should be prioritized in the first 6-8 weeks, as recommended by the British Journal of Sports Medicine 3, 4, 2
- Open kinetic chain exercises can be added as early as 4 weeks but should be introduced cautiously, as suggested by the British Journal of Sports Medicine 3, 4