Ask the Expert

Get answers to your shoulder and elbow questions.

Note: This is for informational purposes only. Doctors cannot provide a diagnosis or individual treatment advice via e-mail. Please consult your physician about your specific health care concerns.

Please install flash player to see this video.

Hospital Virtual Tour

Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury - Overview

Alternative Names

LCL injury; Knee injury - lateral collateral ligament (LCL)

Definition of Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury:

Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury is a stretch, partial tear, or complete tear of the ligament on the outside of the knee.

Considerations:

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 thigh bone. The ligament holds the knee on the outside of the joint.

Causes:

The LCL is usually injured by pressure placed on the knee joint from the inside, which results in stress on the outside of the joint.

Lateral collateral ligament pain

Lateral collateral ligament injury

Lateral collateral ligament

Torn lateral collateral ligament

Reviewed last on: 5/12/2008
Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)