Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury of the knee

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Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury of the knee

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.)

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:

• a knee MRI
• a knee joint X-ray
• a knee joint X-ray with stress applied

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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