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Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury of the knee
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| Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury of the knee |
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Definition:
LCL injury is a stretch, partial tear, or complete tear of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) of the knee. (The term "lateral" means the ligament is on the outside of the knee.) Alternative Names:
LCL injury; Knee injury - lateral collateral ligament (LCL) Text Continues Below
Considerations:
A lateral collateral ligament test may reveal a looseness in the ligament. This involves bending the knee to 25 degrees and placing pressure on the inside surface of the knee. Other tests may include: Causes:
The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) extends from the top-outside surface of the fibula (the bone on the outside of the lower leg) to the bottom-outside surface of the femur (the thigh bone). The ligament stabilizes the knee on the outside of the joint. The LCL is usually injured by pressure placed on the knee-joint from the inside, resulting in stress on the outside of the joint (varus stress).
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