Contact number: 020 7806 4060
What is LCL Reconstruction?
LCL reconstruction is a procedure to address a torn or damaged lateral collateral ligament, which helps stabilise the knee and prevent excessive side-to-side movement. This injury often results from sports activities or trauma to the knee.
The procedure typically involves replacing the damaged ligament with a graft, either from your own tissue or a donor. It is performed using minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to promote a faster recovery.
Our hospital, located in St John’s Wood (NW8), provides expert LCL reconstruction, focusing on personalised care and state-of-the-art facilities.
LCL Reconstruction at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital
At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, we are dedicated to providing effective treatment for knee injuries. Our orthopaedic specialists assess each patient’s condition thoroughly to recommend the most appropriate surgical approach.
Why choose us for LCL reconstruction?
- Specialist Surgeons: Our consultants are experts in knee ligament repair and reconstruction.
- Advanced Techniques: We use minimally invasive methods to reduce recovery times and improve outcomes.
- Modern Facilities: Our hospital is equipped with cutting-edge surgical tools and diagnostic technology.
- Accessible Location: Conveniently based in NW8, we serve patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6), and the wider London area.
We are committed to helping you regain confidence in your knee’s stability and achieve a full recovery through expert care and rehabilitation support.
How Much Does Private LCL Reconstruction Cost?
£3,930
The price shown includes all costs associated with your treatment, from admission to discharge.
Doesn’t include surgeon or anaesthetist fee.
Our hospital fee is guaranteed at the price quoted and valid for one month from the date issued, subject to pre-assessment.
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Appointment
You will have an initial consultation with a specialist knee surgeon.
Treatment plan
During this appointment, you will go through your medical history, have a knee exam and if needed, be referred for an up-to-date scan (such as MRI) of your knee. If surgery is recommended, your doctor will explain the risk and benefits of surgery and what to expect from recovery. Together, you will decide whether an LCL reconstruction is the best option for you.
Prehab
Your knee needs to be in the best condition possible before surgery, as this will lead to better outcomes. Once your swelling has gone down, you should follow your physiotherapist’s exercise programme. This will aim to increase your knee’s range of motions, reduce stiffness, and strengthen the muscles near the knee.
Pre-op assessment
If you decide to go ahead with surgery, you will need to come in for a pre-assessment, which is a standard ‘fitness for surgery’ check.
Surgery
You will be able to walk the same day with the help of a knee brace or crutches. You can go home the same day.
Aftercare
You will need to keep your wound clean and dry, take pain relief and have physiotherapy consistently. You will not be able to fly short-haul for six weeks or long-haul for 12 weeks. We have an excellent therapies team at our hospital that can support you throughout your recovery.
Follow-Up
You will have a follow-up appointment with your doctor at two weeks, where any stitches or clips will be removed. If needed, you may have further check-ups at 6 weeks and 12 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions About LCL Reconstruction
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), a well-connected area of North West London. We are conveniently accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6), and beyond.
By Tube:
- St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is just a 5-minute walk from the hospital.
- Finchley Road (NW3) and Kilburn stations (NW6) on the Jubilee Line provide excellent connections.
By Bus:
Wellington Road: Routes 13, 46, 82, and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station, just a short walk from the hospital.
Circus Road: Routes 46 and 187 stop close to the hospital’s Circus Road entrance.
Abbey Road: Routes 139 and 189 stop near the junction where Grove End Road becomes Abbey Road, providing easy access.
Major Roads:
If you’re travelling from NW3 or NW6, major routes such as Finchley Road or Kilburn High Road offer a direct approach to the hospital.
Our hospital ensures convenient access for patients across London, particularly those in NW8, NW3, and NW6 postcodes.
LCL reconstruction surgery usually takes one to two hours, depending on the complexity of the injury and the surgical technique used.
Recovery typically involves rest, physiotherapy, and a gradual return to weight-bearing activities. Most patients can resume light activities within six to eight weeks, but full recovery may take six months or more.
After 2-3 weeks, you should be able to start walking without crutches/the brace and put more weight on your knee. You should be able to return to office work at this point as well.
From 2 weeks onwards, you should do your physiotherapy exercises regularly as these will help improve your balance, flexibility in your knee, and increase the strength in the surrounding muscles. You should be able to start driving again after 3-4 weeks or once putting weight on your knee feels comfortable. You should find that full range of motion is restored between 6 – 12 weeks, and you can start a phased return to sport from around 12 weeks.
If possible, arrange for someone to help you for a couple of weeks post-surgery as well, as your knee will be bruised, swollen and quite painful for 1-2 weeks after surgery. During this time, take your prescribed painkillers, apply a cold wrap to your knee, and keep your leg elevated as much as possible. When moving around use crutches or a knee brace as you should not put too much weight on your knee at this point.
It will take approximately two weeks for your wound to heal, and you should see your doctor at this point for a post-surgery check, where any clips or non-dissolvable stitches will be removed. Dissolvable stitches should disappear on their own after around three weeks.
The LCL reconstruction procedure itself is performed under anaesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain during surgery. Some swelling and discomfort are normal afterwards but can be managed with medication and physiotherapy.
LCL reconstruction is recommended for patients with significant ligament tears or instability that has not improved with non-surgical treatments such as bracing or physiotherapy.
In the weeks following an operation, patients have a slightly higher risk of a blood clot, so will need to avoid flying. You should wait six weeks before taking a short haul flight (under six hours) and 12 weeks before taking a long-haul flight.
Medically reviewed by Mr Sujith Konan - MBBS MD(res) MRCS FRCS(Tr&Orth), Honorary Associate Professor (UCLH)