Recovering from LCL Surgery

How long is the recovery after LCL surgery?

Depending on the severity of the LCL injury and the associated ligaments injured, recovery following LCL surgery can take between 6 and 12 months. Physical therapy starts on postoperative day 1 or 2 to work on range of motion. Patients should not bear weight on the operative side for the first six weeks after surgery. Driving on the operative knee is usually allowed at about seven to eight weeks postoperatively. Endurance and strengthening can be started in the second phase of the rehabilitation. Agility exercises start at 4 months post-op, along with the running progression if previous stages have been successfully achieved. Return to sport following an LCL surgery is typically at 9 months post-op.

If you suspect you have a LCL or PLC injury or are experiencing knee pain, contact Dr. Chahla today to schedule a knee evaluation. Dr. Jorge Chahla is a sports medicine orthopedic complex knee surgeon in Chicago, Illinois who specializes in the treatment of complex knee and knee ligamentous injuries. He is internationally recognized for his contributions to the field of sports medicine and is a pioneer in novel therapies, including complex knee and PLC injuries. Dr. Chahla’s focus is on customized and personalized care to meet the needs of each of his patients. He uses minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures to preserve the natural joint and reduce recovery time to accelerate his patients’ return to the activities they love.