Lateral Collateral Ligament Tear Treatment in India

Sneha Reddy, a 28-year-old software engineer...

Sneha Reddy, a 28-year-old software engineer and avid weekend hiker, was on a challenging trail when she slipped on a wet rock, twisting her right knee violently. She felt a sharp pop and immediate instability. Over the next week, despite rest and ice, her knee felt wobbly, especially when walking on uneven ground, and the outer side was tender and swollen. An orthopedic surgeon diagnosed a complete Grade III tear of her Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL), confirmed by MRI. Given her active lifestyle and the ligament's inability to heal on its own, the doctor recommended surgical reconstruction using a graft. Anxious about surgery but determined to return to her passions, Sneha underwent the procedure. The initial recovery was tough, with a brace and crutches for six weeks, followed by months of diligent physical therapy focused on regaining stability and strength. A year later, she has returned to hiking with a custom knee brace for challenging terrain. Her emotional journey swung from initial fear and frustration at her sudden limitation to a profound sense of resilience and patience, learning to appreciate the incremental victories of recovery.