Collateral Ligaments and other non-cruciate tendons & ligaments around the knee :
Torn Medial & Lateral Collateral Ligamentsn - - Posted by Lizzie (Lizzie - UK), 14 May 2003
I have just fallen down on my left knee after having a spasm in the back of knee. I've been to ER and the doctor has diagnosed that I have torn the medial and lateral collateral ligaments in my knee - I have been put in bandages and wadding from the top of my thigh to my ankle and told not to bend it - but that is just about it - I've got an appointment with the fracture clinic! tomorrow, but I don't think I am going to be able to make it - what do you think they will want me to do? I just about managed to get my straight leg into my dad's 7 Series BMW, which is long (my 34" inside leg measurement!!) so how am I going to be able to get to the hospital? I've only got a 3-Series BMW Convertible, although it is automatic! It's not as though they are going to be able to do anything. Or will they? I've still got my planned surgery for my left leg on 16 June.
Posted by jeanie (jeanie), 14 May 2003
Lizzie, you poor soul. I am really sorry to hear you have injured your knee even more ! Please do go to the fracture clinic... it's important to get it properly assessed , especially with your other surgery planned soon. I've been stuck with a right knee that won't bend for more than a year now. Getting around with a straight leg is a major problem as you are aware. However, I've found traditional black taxis that you can step straight into are just about manageable. To get out I have to go down on the floor and wriggle to the door to get my good leg down on the ground first. Not very dignified but effective. If you are in a UK city area it might be your answer. Best of Luck
Jeanie
Posted by Janet (Janet), 14 May 2003
Hopefully they'll be able to assess your problem and give you some help at the fracture clinic. I do know a little about the MCL, but nothing about the LCL. My daughter had a grade 3-minus tear of her MCL last summer (hanging on by a thread). She was weight-bearing as tolerated (which means she was on crutches for about two weeks). She was put in a hinged brace for about six weeks. She started PT after about 2 weeks. The good news about the MCL is that it heals on its own....they don't do surgery to repair it. It is the only ligament in the knee that has a good blood supply and can heal on its own. Good luck.
Janet
Updated Sat Nov 21 2009
