Lateral Collateral Ligament Sprain
Description/Cause:
Objective tests:
References:
- Elbow dislocation
- Iatrogenic injury
- Elbow trauma
- Uncommon
- Traumatic injury
- A major indicator of LCL injury is posterolateral instability.
- Patients complain of pain, locking, clicking, and snapping.
- Activities involving supination, extension, and valgus forces will likely cause discomfort.
- Dislocation may also occur.
Objective tests:
- Varus stress test
- Table top relocation test
- Floor push-up sign
- Chair sign
- Imaging
- NSAID
- Active motion and pronation
- PRE to improve elbow stability - Progress gradually with more extensive injuries
References:
- Alobi B, Gray A, Ferreira L, Johnson J, Athwal G, King G. Rehabilitation of the Medial-and Lateral Collateral Ligament-deficit Elbow: An In Vitro Biomechanical Study. Journal of Hand Therapy. 2012;25:363–73.
- Reichel L, Milam G, Sitton S, Curry M, Mehlhoff T. Elbow Lateral Collateral Ligament Injury. Current Concepts. 2013.
Acknowledgements:
David Funk, Student Physical Therapist at A.T. Still University
Ethan Hunke, Student Physical Therapist at A.T. Still University
Morgan Johnson, Student Physical Therapist at A.T. Still University
Ed Nheiu, Student Physical Therapist at A.T. Still University
Lindsay Walczak, Student Physical Therapist at A.T. Still University
Last edited: July 13, 2015