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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)

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 stabilizes 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 (varus stress).

• Review Date: 9/26/2006
• Reviewed By: Andrew L. Chen, M.D., M.S., Orthopedist, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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